Charles Ray Crawford, 59, is slated for execution on October 15, 2025, following his conviction for the 1993 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 20-year-old Kristy Ray, a college student from Mississippi. Crawford’s case has drawn renewed attention as attorneys request the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, citing significant constitutional issues related to his defense during the original trial.
Crawford was initially convicted and sentenced to death in 1994 after a brutal crime in which he abducted Ray from her home while out on bond for pending charges. He physically assaulted her before ultimately murdering her, leaving her body hidden in a wooded area. Despite his recollection of the events being inconsistent, he eventually led authorities to Ray’s remains.
Recent filings by Crawford’s lawyers claim that during his trial, the defense conceded his guilt without his consent, undermining his right to a fair defense as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. They argue that this concession led to his conviction, despite his expressed objections to the strategy. In their bid for a stay of execution, the attorneys are asking the court to examine the implications of this legal mishap.
The state of Mississippi, however, has firmly contested these claims, asserting that Crawford’s guilt is unequivocal and that he has exhausted all possible legal avenues. The Mississippi Attorney General’s office has noted that Crawford’s case has undergone thorough scrutiny with no findings of constitutional errors, and they urge the court to proceed with the execution.
In a different light, advocates for Crawford argue that he has undergone significant personal transformation during his lengthy time on death row. They cite conversations and testimonies describing him as respectful, docile, and remorseful, suggesting that he no longer poses a threat to society. Prison reform advocate Mitzi Magleby and Death Row Spiritual Advisor Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood highlight Crawford’s good behavior and his concern for Ray’s family, using these anecdotes to argue against the execution. They advocate for reconsideration of the death penalty, emphasizing the possibility of redemption and change in individuals over time.
If Crawford’s execution proceeds, it will mark Mississippi’s second execution of the year, following Richard Jordan’s execution in June. As public discourse continues around the case, it underscores ongoing debates about the justice system, the death penalty, and the capacity for change among those incarcerated.