Police Arrest Second Suspect as Missing Washington Woman Chyna Crawford Case Moves Deeper Into Homicide Investigation

Second arrest marks new phase in a case that began as a missing-person report

District law enforcement has arrested a second person in connection with the disappearance of Chyna Danielle Crawford, a 25-year-old Washington resident who has been missing since October 2023, according to records and official case updates reviewed by the washingtondc.news newsroom. The additional arrest comes as investigators continue to treat the case as a homicide investigation, despite Crawford not being located.

Crawford was reported missing on Oct. 26, 2023. Police said she was last seen on Oct. 23, 2023, at about 10 p.m. in the 4000 block of South Capitol Street SW. Earlier public bulletins also listed the last-seen location as the 1600 block of Good Hope Road SE on the same date. Her gray 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 was reported missing as well.

What is known about the first arrest and the charges already filed

On March 26, 2024, federal marshals arrested Lashawn Washington after a D.C. Superior Court bench warrant was issued following a grand jury indictment. Washington was charged with first-degree murder (felony murder), kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Court proceedings in the months that followed included hearings focused on detention status and case scheduling, with the defendant remaining in custody as the prosecution moved forward.

Authorities have not publicly released detailed charging documents laying out the full evidentiary narrative. However, the charges indicate investigators believe the disappearance involved an alleged abduction and a felony offense underpinning the felony-murder allegation. Crawford has remained listed among the District’s missing persons.

What the second arrest could mean procedurally

Police have not publicly provided comprehensive details about the second arrest in the materials available at the time of writing. In cases involving multiple suspects, a second arrest can reflect the execution of additional warrants, new information from witness interviews, digital or forensic analysis, or developments in parallel jurisdictions. It can also signal preparation for coordinated prosecution decisions, including potential co-defendant proceedings or separate charging tracks.

• Case posture: The investigation remains open and active.

• Victim status: Crawford has not been located; authorities continue to seek information from the public.

• Known defendant status: Washington has been charged in D.C. Superior Court with murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.

Public information requests remain central

Police continue to ask anyone with information related to Crawford’s disappearance to contact investigators. The department’s tip and text lines remain active for the case as detectives pursue leads related to Crawford’s whereabouts, her missing vehicle, and the circumstances surrounding her last confirmed sightings.

If you have information about Chyna Crawford’s disappearance, contact the Metropolitan Police tip line at 202-727-9099 or text 50411.