Man Who Lit Self On Fire After Killing Seeks Public Defender

WHITEMARSH, PA — The man who police said set himself on fire after stabbing and running over a woman in Whitemarsh has asked for a public defender, according to a court documents.

Lawrence Maurice Crawley, 33, of Philadelphia, said that he is "indigent," according to a Defendant's Petition for Appointment of Counsel issued in Montgomery County Court on Monday.

Public defenders are requested by individuals who cannot afford to provide their own attorney. Court documents show that a motion for bail for Crawley was filed on Sept. 12. The motion was denied. Five days later, the petition for a public defender was issued.

Crawley has been charged in the death of Angela Stith, 33, also of Philadelphia, last month. Crawley had previously dated Stith, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Crawley was arrested in May and had pleaded guilty to simple assault for assaulting Stith during a trip to the Poconos just before the killing.

The incident occurred in the parking lot outside of Vector Security, located on 5125 Campus Drive, on Aug. 3.

>>Suspect In Montco Stabbing Sets Himself On Fire During Arrest: DA

Video surveillance on Friday morning showed Crawley chasing Stith out of the rear exit of Vector at around 2:13 a.m., according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

The video shows Crawley catch up to Stith and attack her, stabbing her multiple times, authorities said. Co-workers attempted to provide aid to Stith, but Crawley, who had leapt into his Chevrolet Avalanche SUV, proceeded to run over Stith several times, according to the DA.

Crawley then fled the scene. Pennsylvania State Police caught up with him on the Pennsylvania Turnpike heading west in Somerset County. When they pulled him over, Crawley set himself on fire, authorities said.

Following his arrest, he was treated at Crozier Chester Hospital before being booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Charges against Crawley include first degree murder, third degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime with intent to harm, and possession of weapon.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 28.

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