DC man arrested in death of 3-year-old girl more than a year after child’s killing
Washington, DC — More than a year after a toddler was found unconscious and later died at a local hospital, police have arrested a Southeast DC man in connection with what investigators have confirmed was a domestic-related homicide.
Three-year-old Zy’Onne Forney was found unresponsive on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in the 1400 block of L Street SE. First District officers arrived at the scene following reports of an unconscious child and immediately transported her to a hospital. Despite all efforts by medical staff, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide. Investigators with the Metropolitan Police Department determined the cause and circumstances of her death were criminal in nature.
On Monday, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 31-year-old James Crawley of Southeast DC. He was taken into custody on a DC Superior Court warrant and charged with first degree murder – felony murder and cruelty to children. According to police, the case was domestic in nature, though further details surrounding the child’s injuries or relationship to the suspect have not been released.
Crawley was transported to MPD’s Homicide Branch and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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Key Points
- Zy’Onne Forney, age 3, died in May 2024 after being found unconscious in a Southeast DC residence
- The child’s death was ruled a homicide; police say the case was domestic-related
- James Crawley, 31, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder and cruelty to children
