Former Maryland Police Chief Sentenced to Multiple Life Terms for Setting Series of Arson Fires Targeting People He Felt Had Wronged Him

A former Maryland police chief was sentenced to multiple life terms in prison on Tuesday for setting a series of 12 fires targeting people he felt had wronged him. David Crawford, 71, was found guilty in March of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of arson and a count of malicious burning.

The fires, which spanned nearly a decade across six counties, targeted officials, chiropractors and relatives who Crawford felt had snubbed him. Howard County judge sentenced Crawford to eight life sentences plus 75 years in prison.

The state’s attorney’s office said that while Crawford was sentenced to eight life sentences, his actual executable prison sentence is two life terms plus 75 years. The sentences are concurrent, meaning that Crawford will serve two life sentences plus 75 years in prison.

Crawford’s attorney, William Davis, said that his client plans to appeal the sentence. “We are disappointed in the sentence and plan to appeal,” Davis said. “We believe the sentence is excessive and not supported by the evidence.”

The prosecutor’s office said that Crawford’s sentence is “a fitting punishment for his heinous crimes.” They added that the sentence “sends a strong message that those who commit acts of violence will be held accountable for their actions.”