Shontae Crawford: 37-Year-Old Virginia Woman Stabbed To Death After Argument With Ex
Shontae Crawford, a 37-year-old pregnant mother, was stabbed to death about 5 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 in the Arlington, Virginia, residence she shared with her ex-boyfriend. He is facing a murder charge.
A relative of Shontae Crawford said that the mother of a 15-year-old child with autism “had a beautiful soul” and “was always there to help.” Her cousin Erica Savoy told local news that Crawford recently posted on social media a major change in her life was coming: She announced that she was pregnant.
Crawford, 37, was in a new relationship, but was sharing a home with a man she had dated for about 12 years, according to news reports.
About 5 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 in the Arlington residence they shared, Crawford got into an argument with 35-year-old Alimamy Fornah, whom she used to date. The confrontation turned physical and Fornah allegedly stabbed Crawford, killing her and the unborn child.
The only witness to the incident is 39-year-old Michael Webb, who was dating Crawford for about three months. Webb said that Crawford and Fornah locked themselves in a room and when the altercation happened, he burst through the door.
“I heard a noise and what sounded like a crash,” Webb told WUSA-9 TV. “He had her pinned on the floor between the bed and the wall. There was blood on the wall and her throat was severely damaged by, I believe, a kitchen knife or something to that extent.”
“I hit him in the face, and he fell,” Webb was quoted as saying. I grabbed her and pulled her up and she proceeded to go out of the apartment. We started to make our way down and away from him. We encountered him again and I hit him about five times.”
Police arresed Fornah, who was treated for minor injuries at the hospital before being charged with murder.
Crawford’s family said that she had been a domestic violence victim for years and had tried to get away from Fornah, but was not able to.
“I knew it would happen one day because of the severity of the abuse," her sister-in-law Emily Crawford told the news outlet. "You pray it doesn't happen. Just a month ago he put her in the hospital from physical abuse. It was constant."
"He was so controlling that he didn't want her around us," added Emily Crawford.
A GoFundMe set up by Crawford’s family reads:
Hello, It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Shontae Crawford. Shontae was a beautiful bright spark in this world with a smile that lit up any room she walked in. She touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed. We are raising money to cover the costs of the funeral and memorial services for Shontae’s family as this passing was completely unexpected and tragic. Any excess money will go directly to her son Donovon Dimauri. Thank you in advance for your love, prayers, and support.
The evil scourge of domestic violence continues to plague the lives of black women in this country.
The Guardian reports that four black women/girls are murdered every day in the United States.If we omit the fatalities, multiple scientific studies have concluded that black women endure higher rates of murder, rape, racism and domestic abuse.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A VICTIM!
Read the warning signs of a hurtful relationship.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or practicing self-harm, contact the the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time. Online live chat is also available. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, for assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
