Wichita man given double life sentence for murder of estranged wife, another man
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- Charles Crawford received two life sentences for a 2023 double homicide in Wichita.
- Crawford pleaded no contest after admitting to the killings during police standoff.
- Consecutive life terms delay Crawford’s parole eligibility until 2073.
A Wichita man was given two life sentences in a Sedgwick County court Friday for the murder of his estranged wife and another man in 2023.
Charles Crawford shot and killed Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert at Crawford’s home, apparently out of anger about a a relationship between the two. He pleaded no contest last year.
“The sentencing of Charles Crawford to two life terms provides a measure of justice for Vanessa Crawford and Donald Eckert, and their families,” Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said.
The consecutive life sentences mean Crawford will not be eligible for parole until 2073, according to the district attorney.
Wichita police said a woman dropping her child off at Vanessa Crawford’s in-home daycare around 7:30 a.m. July 25, 2023, discovered the victims. Officers found Charles Crawford around two blocks away with a gun, making suicidal threats. He was arrested after two hours of police negotiations where he confessed to the shootings, according to court documents.
Family members, neighbors and clients said Vanessa Crawford was extremely caring not only toward the children who attended her daycare, but to everyone she encountered. She volunteered with an organization helping at-risk and homeless mothers and children, as well as at her church.
