Although African Americans make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, we account for 33 percent of the missing in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s database. Cases involving African Americans also tend to receive less media coverage than missing Whites, with missing men of color getting even less attention.
NewsOne has partnered with the Black and Missing Foundation and TV One to focus on the crisis of missing African Americans.
To be a part of the solution, NewsOne will profile a missing person weekly and provide tips about how to keep your loved ones safe and what to do if someone goes missing, while TV One‘s newest show, “Find Our Missing,” hosted by award-winning actress S. Epatha Merkerson, tells these stories in visual form.
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Deborah Lee Crawford
Case Type: Endangered
Date of Birth: January 1, 1972
Missing Date: August 19, 2013
Age Now: 41
Missing City: Canton
Missing State: Georgia
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Weight: 165
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Shoulder Length
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No
Location Last Seen: At 4 p.m. outside the K-Mart on Marietta Highway in Canton.
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Circumstances of Disappearance: According to Crawford’s family, Deborah Lee Crawford was dropped off at the store by a friend and picked up by a man named Travis. Crawford’s family told authorities that she has a history of mental disorders, including depression, but has not been reported missing in the past.
Crawford’s son said he has never met the person who picked her up.
“I’ve never laid eyes on him,” Floyd Crawford told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
That’s what is also stumping police in the investigation.
“We don’t even know who he is,” Lt. Jeff Tucker with the Canton Police told the Cherokee Legend-News about the man Deborah Lee Crawford reportedly went with, “and that’s the problem.”
Crawford’s cousin said it’s unlike her to remain out of contact with her son.
“One thing about my cousin is that she may not contact us, but she is going to always keep in contact with [Floyd], every day, all day,” Zelda Neese told the paper. “That’s just their relationship.”
Floyd Crawford said his mother was a kind, generous woman.
“She would give you the clothes off of her back. She would give someone a place to stay. She’s a good person,” said Crawford.
Police say they haven’t given up on the case.
“The detectives are continuing to follow up and investigate. We need as much information pertaining to the case that we can get,” Tucker said.
Last Seen Wearing: Blue jeans and a green shirt with a green M&M and a frog on it.
Identifying Marks or Characteristics: She has two tattoos on her body: one that reads “Brent’s Playground” on her chest and another of praying hands on her right forearm.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Deborah Lee Crawford should call Cherokee County 911 Center at (678) 493-4080 or the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883. You may also contact the Black and Missing Foundation’s confidential Tip Line.
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