DA's Office Files Charges in Death of John Williams

Salt Lake City, UT - , Today the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, Sim Gill, Salt Lake County District Attorney, filed Aggravated Murder and Aggravated Arson charges against Craig Crawford for the death of John Williams, a man widely known in the community as a restaurateur and philanthropist. The District Attorney alleged that Mr. Crawford intentionally started a fire in Mr. William's home with the intent to kill Mr. Williams, who died in the fire.

Aggravated Murder is a capital offense carrying a maximum possible punishment of death; Aggravated Arson is a First Degree Felony punishable by up to life in prison.

As outlined in more detail in the accompanying attached Information and Statement of Probable Cause, it is alleged that on May 22, 2016, in Salt Lake County, Mr. Crawford intentionally set a fire in Mr. Williams' home. The District Attorney alleged that in setting the fire, Mr. Crawford intended to damage the home and kill Mr. Williams and that Mr. Williams died from injuries sustained in the fire. Mr. Crawford is being held in the Salt Lake County Adult Detention Center without bail.

The District Attorney's Office expresses its sympathy and condolences to Mr. Williams' family and friends and to the community who knew him and his work. The District Attorney's Office also conveys its appreciation to Salt Lake City Police Department, Salt Lake City Fire Department and the professionals in law enforcement and public safety who have worked diligently on this case.

All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.