Unsolved murder still under investigation

An investigation continues into the eight-month-old murder of a Yuma man found dead in a Jeep, and the sheriff's office is appealing to the public for help in finding the killer.

Joel Crump, 27, was dead at the scene of a reported vehicle accident in October.

Yuma County sheriff's deputies found Crump's body inside a black 1985 Jeep Cherokee about 9:15 that morning after responding to a report of a single-vehicle accident at 2689 W. County 16th St., near Somerton.

Crump, who was sitting in the driver's seat, was killed by a gunshot wound, according to sheriff's office officials. No other persons were located at the scene.

Capt. Eben Bratcher of the sheriff's office said the case is still under investigation, but added there are still a few obstacles to overcome.

The biggest obstacle, he said, is getting the people in Crump's circle of friends to come forward with any information they may have.

"The number of leads coming in have slowed," Bratcher said. "We know there are people out there who know something, but they haven't come forward."

Bratcher went on to say they remain positive they will solve the case, but did not disclose any new facts.

After a promising high school baseball career with Yuma High, Crump was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 17th Round (504th overall) of the 2000 amateur entry draft.

"Joel Crump had the best fastball of anyone I ever saw throw in Yuma," said Doyle McCurley, a Yuma man who followed his career.

Crump went on to play professionally in the minors for two seasons with the Bluefield Orioles and Gulf Coast Orioles before leaving baseball in 2003.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with any information about the case to call sheriff’s office investigators at 783-4427.