43
2 months later, police continue to investigate Boardman murder
By ROBERT CONNELLY
BOARDMAN
Two months after Chris Craft was slain in his township home, police continue to investigate the crime that initially perplexed officers.
Craft, 48, was found on the floor in front of his computer with skin missing from his face — an apparent attempt by the assailant to hide the crime. Authorities believe he died about noon June 8 at his home, 1736 Alverne Drive.
The Mahoning County coroner’s full report on his death is pending. In the days after his death, a few details were revealed in the case.
Dr. Joseph Ohr, medical examiner and pathologist with the coroner’s office, has said Craft died from blunt-force trauma to the right side of his face that also damaged the front, right side of his brain. The removed skin extended from Craft’s ear across to the center of his mouth and then down underneath the jaw line and onto his neck. There were no other injuries and no defensive wounds, he noted.
The use of cocaine, pornography and beer preceded the killing of Craft, the township police report says. At 1:20 p.m. June 8, several Boardman officers were sent to Craft’s home on a report of a suicide. A friend of Craft’s — who called it in — said Craft “shot his face off,” according to the report.
The male caller, 38, was questioned but has not been charged by police.
Police found Craft on his back on the floor in front of his computer, with his legs on a chair. No weapon was found on or near him.
The cellphones of Craft and the male caller were taken by authorities, as well as Craft’s personal computer.
The friend said Craft picked him up about 10 the night before, and the two went back to Craft’s home. According to the police report, the man said he and Craft drank beer, used cocaine and watched pornographic movies in the upstairs bedroom. The man said he last saw Craft at 6 a.m. Sunday when Craft gave him a Xanax and then went downstairs. The man said he then came downstairs at noon and saw Craft on the floor.
The coroner said there was evidence of pills and alcohol in Craft’s stomach.
One of the three main officers on the case since the beginning, Capt. Don Hawkins, said, “I want to solve this.”
Boardman police continue to work with the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and run tests.
Lorraine Caldwell, 73, of Youngstown, said she knew Craft for about two years through her son, David Caldwell. David Caldwell died of a drug overdose Jan. 5, 2013.
“He was probably the friendliest and most empathetic man I have ever met. Every fifth of the month ... there was something put on his grave by Chris,” she said.
In the months after David’s death, she said Craft frequently would come over to her residence and remember David. “He attended every memorial service for my son,” she said.
Caldwell said her son had brought Craft over one day, and he kept coming around. She said that even after David Caldwell’s death, she remained close with Craft.
“He would give you the shirt off his back, and he loved his dogs; he loved people,” Caldwell remembered.
She said she has been in contact with authorities and is hoping for a resolution and that Craft is not forgotten.
“I just hope they find someone. I just hope that the person gets justice, whatever it is. I think Chris was a very nice person, and even if it’s the worst person in the world, you don’t want to see this happen. It’s somebody’s son, husband, friend — no one needs this to happen to them no matter who they are.”