Crystalin Thomas, a 26-year-old woman from Darby, PA, tragically lost her life on May 19, 2017. She was fatally shot by her boyfriend, Edward Moses Jr., who was 31 years old at the time. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at their shared residence on Spring Valley Road. The couple had been in a relationship for quite some time, and Moses frequently stayed at Thomas's home.
The shooting was determined to be a case of domestic violence.
According to police reports, Thomas was shot once in the chest, and her two young children, aged 6 and 3, were present in the house at the time. The children were found unresponsive by their grandmother, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. The swift arrest of Moses, just seven hours and 20 minutes after the investigation began, was credited to the cooperation of neighbors who provided crucial information to the police.
Moses was charged with first-degree murder and related offenses. He was taken into custody and later sentenced to 12 to 40 years in state prison for third-degree murder, along with an additional 3 1/2 to 7 years for carrying a firearm without a license. The court proceedings concluded with Moses pleading guilty to the charges as part of a negotiated plea deal.
The case highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of community involvement in aiding law enforcement efforts. Thomas was remembered by her neighbors as a kind, sweet, and loving person who often cared for the children in her neighborhood. Her tragic death left a lasting impact on her family and the community.
This case serves as a somber reminder of the need to address domestic violence and support victims and their families. The cooperation between the community and law enforcement played a crucial role in bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victim's loved ones.
