Family of South Bend teen killed awaits murder trial

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--- The trial of Rahim Brumfield, the man accused of killing his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend, Tysiona Crawford, is set to begin on Monday. Officials say Brumfield shot and killed Crawford on January 18, 2018 after the two got into an argument.

The Crawford family said the past year has been difficult.

“She’s been gone a year now and I feel my nephew’s pain every time I look in his eyes,” said Cynthia Crawford Burton, Tysiona’s aunt. “We have a small family and when they hurt, you hurt.”

The Crawford family had to endure holidays and what would have been Tysiona’s high school graduation without her.

“She was a vibrant girl, everybody loved her.  She never got a chance to graduate. Her life was snatched away,” said Burton.

Brumfield’s trial was originally scheduled for August of 2018 but the date was pushed back twice.

“It’s frustrating when you want justice,” said Tysis Crawford, Tysiona’s sister. “It was just very frustrating because I’m ready for this to be over with so we can have her justice.”

While the Crawfords are relieved that Tysiona’s accused killer will finally be tried, they say even a guilty verdict will not ease their pain.

“There’s never any closure,” said Burton “The pain is devastating. I’m just trusting in God.”