On April 27, 2023, 36-year-old Crystal Williams was found deceased in her apartment at the Faudree Ranch Apartments in Odessa, Texas. Responding to a welfare check requested by a concerned friend who hadn't heard from her in days, Odessa Police Department officers discovered Williams with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Evidence suggested she had been dead for at least 24 hours.
Investigators identified Williams' boyfriend, 31-year-old Larry Ashton Johnson, as a suspect.
Upon searching Johnson's phone, they found deleted videos recorded on the night of April 25, capturing an argument between him and Williams. In these videos, Williams was in the bathroom, wearing the same clothes in which she was later found deceased. Neighbors reported hearing a loud bang between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on April 25, coinciding with the timeline established by the videos.
Further investigation revealed that both Johnson's and Williams' phones were in the same vicinity east of her apartment complex around 10 p.m. on April 25, shortly after the recorded argument. Johnson's phone records indicated he called Williams' phone at that time, after which her phone was turned off and remained missing. Johnson claimed not to remember making the call.
On May 9, 2023, Johnson was arrested and charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence, specifically for concealing Williams' iPhone. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was on parole for an aggravated robbery conviction in Montgomery County. He was booked into the Midland County Jail with bonds totaling $515,000.
Following Williams' death, her foster mother, Maria Douglas, remembered her as a compassionate individual who overcame a challenging upbringing, including time in Child Protective Services custody. Douglas emphasized Williams' desire to help others and her vulnerability to domestic violence, urging the community to recognize and address signs of such abuse to prevent further tragedies.
Additionally, a woman named Katherine Stephens came forward, alleging past abuse by Johnson during their previous relationship. She recounted incidents of strangulation and expressed relief at his arrest, hoping it would prevent future harm to others.
Williams' death highlights the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the importance of vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable individuals. Her family and community continue to mourn her loss, advocating for increased awareness and support for those affected by domestic abuse.
