A Collection of Horrible Fates

Summary

The Stanford University murder case remained unsolved for decades until a breakthrough in 2016. Arus, a young woman, was murdered in 1973, and the prime suspect was Steve Crawford, a former security guard with a motive tied to his bitterness after being stripped of his firearm. Despite early suspicions, there was not enough evidence to arrest him. However, DNA testing on mislabeled evidence later linked Steve to the crime. In 2018, as authorities closed in on him, Steve took his own life, leaving many questions unanswered about his possible involvement in other crimes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The murder of Arus remained unsolved for decades despite several investigations.
• 😀 Steve Crawford, a security guard at Stanford, became a prime suspect due to suspicious behavior and his connections to the crime scene.
• 😀 Steve's alibi about checking the church doors was inconsistent, raising further suspicion.
• 😀 DNA evidence from Arus's clothing, initially mislabeled, eventually connected Steve to the crime in 2016.
• 😀 Steve had a history of resentment toward Stanford after being demoted to an unarmed guard, which may have fueled his motive.
• 😀 Crawford had previously stolen items from Stanford, including rare artifacts and a diploma, demonstrating his bitterness toward the institution.
• 😀 He was arrested for theft, and during questioning, he expressed anger about being treated as a suspect in Arus's murder.
• 😀 Despite the new DNA evidence, investigators could not arrest Steve until 2018, when they sought to execute a warrant.
• 😀 When deputies arrived to search Steve's apartment, he took his own life before they could apprehend him.
• 😀 The case remains closed with Steve as the confirmed murderer, though questions about his past actions and possible other victims remain unanswered.

Q & A

Who was the prime suspect in the murder of Arus, and why was he considered suspicious?

The prime suspect in Arus's murder was Steve Crawford, a security guard at Stanford University. He was considered suspicious because he was the last person to lock the doors at the church and was later found to have lied about part of his routine, raising doubts about his involvement.

What was the key piece of evidence that led investigators to focus on Steve Crawford?

The key piece of evidence that led investigators to focus on Steve Crawford was the discovery of a pair of pants that were initially mislabeled as Arus’s. When properly identified, DNA testing revealed bodily fluid that matched Steve Crawford, implicating him in the crime.

How did Steve Crawford's bitterness toward the Stanford University police department contribute to the case?

Steve Crawford's bitterness stemmed from being disarmed by a new police chief who found him unqualified to carry a firearm. His resentment grew as he was relegated to an unarmed security guard role, and he harbored anger against the university for these changes, which could have motivated his actions against Arus.

What crimes did Steve Crawford commit during his tenure as a security guard?

During his time as a security guard, Steve Crawford committed several thefts, including stealing a rare cane, human skulls, and even printing a fraudulent diploma in his name.

Why did investigators initially find it difficult to make an arrest in Arus’s case despite suspecting Steve?

Investigators initially found it difficult to make an arrest because there wasn't enough evidence to link Steve Crawford directly to Arus's murder. Even the palm print found on the altar candle did not match him, and there were no other concrete leads that could confirm his involvement.

What new technological advancement helped in solving the case in 2016?

In 2016, DNA testing had advanced significantly, allowing investigators to reexamine the evidence and extract DNA from the correctly labeled pants, ultimately matching Steve Crawford's DNA to the crime scene.

What event triggered the police to finally arrest Steve Crawford?

The police were preparing to arrest Steve Crawford in 2018 after a long investigation, when they attempted to serve a search warrant at his apartment. However, upon their arrival, they heard a single gunshot, which indicated that Steve had taken his own life before authorities could apprehend him.

How did Steve Crawford’s suicide impact the investigation and closure of the case?

Steve Crawford’s suicide before his arrest marked the tragic end to the investigation, leaving many questions unanswered. However, his death effectively closed the case, confirming that he was the murderer but leaving the motive and full extent of his actions shrouded in mystery.

What were the implications of the mislabeled evidence in Arus’s case?

The mislabeled evidence, specifically the pair of pants, was a crucial mistake that delayed the investigation. Once the error was realized and the correct pants were identified, DNA testing provided the breakthrough that directly connected Steve Crawford to the crime.

What potential motive was suggested for Steve Crawford's murder of Arus?

The suggested motive for Steve Crawford’s murder of Arus was his resentment toward Stanford University, particularly the loss of his firearm rights. His anger toward the institution and his unfulfilled ambitions could have led him to commit the crime as a form of revenge.