HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A Georgia man faces federal charges after allegedly traveling from Atlanta to Hillsborough County, Florida, where he broke into a woman’s home, assaulted her, and killed her dog. Timothy Crawford, 52, is accused of using a stun gun, punching, and kicking the woman before shooting and killing her Maltese.
The incident occurred on Carden Drive in Odessa, where Crawford waited for the woman to return home. According to prosecutors, the woman sustained severe injuries, including bruising, stun-gun burns, and broken bones. The ordeal unfolded as Crawford reportedly threatened to kill the woman and her children.
After the attack, a neighbor called 911 upon hearing the woman’s distress. Law enforcement officers apprehended Crawford when he returned to the scene. In his truck, authorities discovered alcohol bottles and various weapons. Crawford admitted to breaking into the home, using a taser, and killing the dog, claiming he had planned the attack to some extent.
Prosecutors allege that Crawford crossed state lines into Florida for the violent encounter, which resulted in charges of interstate domestic violence, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, and interstate stalking. In recorded phone calls to his ex-wife, Crawford confessed to the attack and expressed remorse, indicating that he knew he would face consequences for his actions.
If convicted, Crawford could face a minimum of 10 years in federal prison for the offenses. The brutal incident underscores the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of swift and decisive legal action to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.