Thomas Crew Rushed to Hospital Just Before Gruesome Murder Plea

FLORENCE — Thomas Ray Crew, scheduled to face arraignment for first-degree murder and kidnapping charges, was hospitalized prior to the proceedings, according to the Pinal County Public Defender’s Office.

During the session in Pinal County Superior Court, Judge Jason Holmberg was informed that Crew could not attend due to his hospitalization. Further details regarding his medical condition were not provided by his counsel.

No family members attended the courtroom as Crew’s arraignment took place, where defendants typically enter a plea. A victim’s advocate has been designated to assist in the case.

Crew, 46, faces serious allegations stemming from a shooting incident on May 15, where he is accused of injuring a family member at a residence on Montserrat Street in Rancho Mirage. Despite the victim’s survival, charges were elevated to premeditated murder, as indicated by E-Access, a state-run legal database.

Sources have revealed that Crew’s relative, identified as Nereira Crew, was shot twice in the head, although police have not confirmed this information. Witnesses reported that Crew exited the home brandishing a pistol, surrendering to authorities without resistance.

Nereira Crew, also known as Greene, is believed to be Crew’s sister-in-law and resides in Highland, California. A vehicle registered in California was reportedly present at the scene of the shooting.

Eyewitnesses recounted Crew’s chilling statements immediately following the incident, including, “I just shot her, she is probably dead,” and “If you have handcuffs, just cuff me.” His arrest was executed smoothly by responding officers.

The violent altercation is said to have escalated from a dispute over the guardianship of their mother, a matter recently addressed in family court, leading to the alleged shooting.

Aviena Love, 52, Crew’s sister who owns the home where the shooting took place, informed police that Crew threatened her life in a phone call right after the court hearing. She reported that he held her and her daughter at gunpoint for hours, confiscated their phones, and issued threats against their lives.

In the course of the standoff, Crew’s niece attempted to escape but was forcibly restrained, according to police records.

In addition to the premeditated murder charge, Crew faces multiple felony counts, including kidnapping and aggravated assault. All charges are classified as domestic violence offenses and involve firearms.

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office has been sought for comments on the ongoing case but has yet to respond. Crew, a resident at The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado, now has his arraignment rescheduled for June 6.