BALTIMORE, MD (WBFF) — A man has been sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years for the murder of his childhood friend less than 48 hours after being released from prison.
Matthew Crawley was sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years for the deadly shooting of Taijah Addison.
Crawley was found guilty at trial of first degree murder, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, and possession of a regulated firearm as a prohibited person, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City announced Thursday.
On March 6, 2025, police responded to the 700 block of Yale Avenue for a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, police found Addison, 38, in the driver’s seat of a blue Honda Odyssey van.
He was shot multiple times in the head and chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives were able to locate video of the shooting from multiple angles that showed a man, later identified as Crawley, exit a home and walk up the street.
About a minute later, authorities said that the Odyssey was seen driving past that residence before reversing and parking in front of it.
Crawley was then seen getting out of the passenger’s side of the van, walking around to the driver’s side, and then shooting into the driver’s side window numerous times.
Then, Crawley paused for a moment before firing twice more into the window.
Police said that Crawley picked up the casings, and went back inside the home.
Authorities noted that no other people were seen leaving or entering the vehicle.
Crawley remained inside the home for about a minute before exiting and walking in the 500 block of Yale Avenue, video showed authorities.
Less than 10 minutes later, police were in the area searching for the shooting suspect, when they found Crawley wearing the same exact clothing in the rear of the 500 block of Yale Avenue near a dumpster.
Authorities also found a gun with casings that were tested and found to be consistent with the casings from the crime scene.
Officials said that 48 hours before the shooting, Crawley had been released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence for assault and use of a handgun in a crime of violence from a case in Baltimore County.
Additionally, while in prison, Crawley had been convicted of an assault on a correctional officer.
Nothing can undo the devastating loss suffered by Mr. Addison’s loved ones. Our hearts remain with them as they continue to grieve a life taken far too soon. The facts of this case reveal a deliberate and senseless act of violence committed just 48 hours after the Defendant was released from prison—a heinous act that ended the life of someone he knew and trusted. The Defendant’s actions demonstrate that he wishes to spend the rest of his life in jail, and our office has given him what he asked for,” said State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, via a press release. “Today’s sentence of Life in prison plus 35 years reflects the severity and depravity of this crime and ensures that the individual responsible will never again be able to harm our community. We are grateful for the diligent work of law enforcement and prosecutors, and we hope this outcome provides some measure of accountability and reassurance to the victim’s family that justice has been served.
Now, Crawley will spend life in prison.
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