Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)Gilbert Police Vehicle / iSkyNews.com
Published November 24th, 2025
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Gilbert, AZ — A welfare check turned into a homicide investigation Saturday evening after Gilbert Police discovered one person dead and another critically injured inside a home near the 1300 block of W. Straford Avenue.
According to Gilbert Police, officers were called to the residence around 6:00 p.m. on November 22, 2025, after a family member reported growing concern for her 91-year-old father, Oscar Casdorph, and his 81-year-old wife. The couple had missed dinner plans and were not answering the door.
When officers entered the home to ensure their safety, they found Mr. Casdorph deceased and his 81-year-old wife suffering from critical injuries. Both victims showed obvious signs of trauma.
Suspect Located Hours Later in Glendale
During the early stages of the investigation, detectives learned that 56-year-old Gary Crawford—the female victim’s son and Mr. Casdorph’s stepson—had recently moved into the home. Crawford, along with one of the couple’s vehicles, was missing. Detectives also discovered suspicious activity involving one of Mr. Casdorph’s bank accounts.
Gilbert Police launched an overnight search. By 6:00 a.m. on November 23, detectives located the missing vehicle in Glendale, AZ, occupied by Crawford. He was taken into custody without incident.
During interviews, police say Crawford made multiple statements admitting to killing Mr. Casdorph and attempting to kill his mother.
The 81-year-old female victim survived the attack but remains hospitalized in critical condition. Gilbert Police extended their condolences to the Casdorph family, calling the case “deeply tragic.”
Crawford has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail on the following charges:
- First Degree Murder – A.R.S. § 13-1105(A)(1)
- Attempted First Degree Murder – A.R.S. § 13-1105(A)(1)
- Fraudulent Schemes – A.R.S. § 13-2310(A)
- Theft of Means of Transportation – A.R.S. § 13-1814(A)(1)
- Tampering with Physical Evidence – A.R.S. § 13-2809
His bond is set at $2,000,000 (G220312).
Police say this was an isolated incident and there are no outstanding suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
Charged or submitted offenses are accusations only. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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