The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Missing Clark Atlanta student found dead
Alexis Crawford had reported being sexually assaulted days before.
It was an “absolutely heartbreaking” end to the weeklong search for a missing Clark Atlanta University student, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields said Friday: Alexis Janae Crawford, 21, was found dead.
Investigators believe it was Crawford’s roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend, Jordyn Jones and Barron Brantley, who are responsible for Crawford’s death, Shields said. Crawford and Jones shared a McDaniel Street apartment, about a mile from the Clark Atlanta campus. On Friday,
Crawford’s body was found about 11 miles away at a DeKalb County park located off Columbia Drive, Shields said.
“The case has come to one of the saddest conclusions possible and has been absolutely heartbreaking,” Shields said during a press conference. “To Alexis’ family, our hearts go out to you. I am so truly sorry that we could not provide you with a better ending.”
Investigators have not yet released a motive. Three days before she was last seen alive, however, Crawford reported being the victim of an alleged
sexual assault, according to police. Brantley was the suspect in the Oct. 26 incident, which allegedly happened at the apartment Crawford shared with Jones while the three were consuming alcohol, the report states.
On Oct. 30, Crawford spoke to her family for the last time.
Alexandria Crawford, Alexis’ sister, told police they last texted about 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 30.
“What are you doing for the weekend?” Alexis had texted.
“Nothing,” Alexandria Crawford replied.
Alexis didn’t respond to other text messages that night, her family told police.
Later that night, Crawford and her roommate went to a liquor store.
Jones told police she and Crawford hadn’t been speaking since the alleged sexual assault, but Crawford had asked Jones to take her to the store.
A surveillance camera at D&M Package on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard captured what is believed to be the last photo of Crawford, according to Atlanta police.
The following morning, Jones said she left for class and Crawford wasn’t in the apartment.
On Nov. 1, Crawford’s family reported her missing, and Atlanta police began an investigation.
In the days that followed, Crawford’s family had pleaded for her safe return.
“Baby, I love you, baby,” her father said through tears during a news conference Monday at Atlanta police headquarters. “Just come home, baby. Just come home.”
Instead, one of the suspects led investigators to Crawford’s body, Shields said.
In a letter to the Clark Atlanta community, university President George French called Crawford’s death “the worst possible news” and an isolated, off-campus incident.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with her family and with everyone who knew and loved Alexis,” French said in the letter, posted on social media.
Grief counselors were available for those in need, French said.