Ralph Gary Anderson, 65, was found dead in his home on SE 6th Street in Lake Butler, Florida, on July 3, 2017, after neighbors raised concerns and deputies responded. Although initial accounts referred to a gunshot, the Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was blunt traumatic head injuries from a physical assault and investigators concluded Anderson had been killed on July 2, 2017.

Investigators focused on 42-year-old Donnie Hugh Crawford, a fellow Lake Butler resident who witnesses said was the last person seen with Anderson the evening of July 2. Crawford had a prior burglary and assault conviction involving Anderson in 2016. Deputies searching Crawford’s residence recovered Anderson’s wallet, which contained his credit card, and a $50 bill on a bed Crawford sometimes used. Crawford was arrested initially on grand theft and burglary charges and later charged with murder in Anderson’s death.

The case includes witness testimony and physical evidence tying Crawford to the scene. If anyone knew Ralph Anderson, Donnie Crawford, or saw something in Lake Butler around July 2–3, 2017, please come forward with information.