A shocking murder case from Texas has left many people disturbed after police said a man shot and killed his uncle inside their family home and then hid the body in a recycling bin for several days. Authorities in San Antonio say the accused later called 911 himself, leading officers to discover the victim’s body wrapped in garbage bags in the backyard.
The case has now resulted in serious murder charges, with investigators uncovering disturbing details about what allegedly happened inside the house.
Overview of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Aquiminee La Roy Crawford |
| Age | 26 |
| Victim | Derrick Crawford |
| Victim’s Age | 52 |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Charges | Two counts of murder |
| Initial Charge | Abuse of a corpse |
| Bond Amount | $250,000 |
| Incident Date | Around May 9 |
Body Found Inside Backyard Recycling Bin
According to the San Antonio Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call over the weekend made by Aquiminee Crawford himself. The call brought police to a house on Sterling Street in the Colosseum Willow Park area of east San Antonio.
When officers arrived, Crawford reportedly told them his uncle had been “shot up in the back.” While investigating the property, officers noticed a strong foul smell coming from a recycling bin in the backyard.
Police tipped over the bin and made a horrifying discovery. As the lid opened, officers reportedly saw a human hand. Inside the container was the body of Derrick Crawford, wrapped in several black garbage bags and showing multiple gunshot wounds.
Suspect Allegedly Confessed to the Killing
During questioning by investigators, police said Crawford admitted that he shot his uncle inside the home nearly two weeks earlier.
Authorities said the suspect told detectives he became extremely angry after his uncle insulted him during an argument. According to the arrest report, Crawford claimed his uncle called him a disrespectful name, which caused him to “black out” before grabbing a handgun and opening fire.
Police said the victim was shot five times inside the living room. At least two bullets struck Derrick Crawford in the chest and head.
Investigators also said the suspect admitted he was frustrated because his uncle regularly borrowed most of his money.
Police Found Evidence Inside the Home
After speaking with the suspect, investigators recovered several important pieces of evidence from the bedroom, including:
- The handgun believed to have been used in the shooting
- A plastic bag containing spent shell casings
- The victim’s mobile phone
Police also found blood spatter on the walls and ceiling of the living room. A couch cushion soaked in blood reportedly helped investigators confirm where the shooting happened.
Authorities believe the evidence strongly supports the suspect’s confession.
Victim’s Mother Said Family Was Searching for Him
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the case involves the victim’s mother, who also lived in the same house. According to police, she told investigators she had no idea her son had been killed.
Instead, she believed he had simply gone missing. Family members had reportedly been searching for Derrick Crawford for nearly a week before the body was discovered.
Police have not explained whether anyone noticed suspicious behaviour from the suspect during those days.
Charges Upgraded to Murder
Aquiminee Crawford was first booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on a charge of abuse of a corpse after the body was found.
Later, authorities upgraded the case and formally charged him with two counts of murder. He remains in custody with a bond set at $250,000.
Investigators are still working to fully understand the timeline of events and whether any additional charges could be added in the future.
Violence Inside Families Remains a Serious Concern
Cases involving violence between family members often shock communities because they happen inside homes where people are expected to feel safe. Experts say arguments involving money, personal insults, emotional stress, and unresolved anger can sometimes become deadly when conflicts are not controlled properly.
This Texas case has once again highlighted the importance of mental health support, conflict management, and early intervention in family disputes. It also shows how quickly anger can turn into irreversible violence.
As the legal process continues, the accused will now face the court system while the victim’s family deals with the painful loss of a loved one under tragic circumstances.
