In the early morning hours of July 14, 2020, the life of Crystal D. Andrews, a 37-year-old Black female, was tragically cut short in her Topeka, Kansas home. Responding to a report of a shooting shortly after 1:45 a.m. in the 500 block of SW 5th St., police discovered a heartbreaking scene. Inside the residence, Crystal and her 13-year-old daughter, Mercedes M.
Holford, were found deceased, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.
Crystal, affectionately known as "Big Pretty," was a mother, daughter, and sister who was born and raised in Topeka. A graduate of Topeka High School, she had built a career in the nursing field for two decades and was a dedicated employee at Lexington Park Assisted Living for the last eight years of her life. Her family remembered her as a wonderful mother who adored her children and cherished spending time with her loved ones, often planning barbecues and game nights. She was known for her ever-present smile.
The double homicide of Crystal and her young daughter sent shockwaves through the community. The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing, with law enforcement actively seeking information from the public. Authorities have released surveillance footage of a person of interest seen near the home on the night of the murders. In an effort to generate leads, a substantial reward has been offered for any information that leads to an arrest in this unsolved case. An anonymous donor contributed a significant sum to enhance the reward offered by Shawnee County Crime Stoppers. As of now, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the tragic deaths of Crystal Andrews and her daughter, Mercedes.
