Truvock Noble perceived Erick Crawford as “a missile sent by baking-soda man”

On April 27, 2022, Truvock Noble, 45, was found guilty of all charges brought against him in the shooting death of 38-year-old Erick Crawford. Noble was charged with felonies for attempted murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon.

A twelve-person jury deliberated behind closed doors for two days. Occasionally they passed notes to the armed officer of the courts standing guard outside, to be brought to Bryan Rounds, the judge in this case. The occasional notes requested things such as video footage or transcripts for further review.

During his summation, chief assistant district attorney Emmanuel Nneji narrated the events as he saw them of March 21, 2021.

“Truvock Noble had a problem with another person over what he called ‘baking soda.’ His own words,” said Nneji. “This other person was sending ‘missiles’ against him. He ran from the missiles. He ran the first time. But he decided he wasn’t going to run the second time …. Unfortunately for Erick Crawford, this defendant perceived him as a missile sent to him from baking-soda man.”

Defense attorney William Pretsch attempted to cast doubt on the evidence, suggesting that the video footage could have been altered, that the actual killer was still out there, that the police weren’t thorough enough in their investigations: In essence, that they had the wrong man.

“They’re missing a piece of the puzzle,” Pretsch said, exhorting the jury. “Finish the puzzle.”

When judgment was passed, Truvock Noble remained as composed and enigmatic as he had through the entire trial. To those in the press box, the verdict had seemed a foregone conclusion.

Judge Bryan Rounds selected June 16 at 1p.m. for Noble’s sentencing. He was led out with his arms handcuffed in front of him, and his legs shackled at his ankles.

He had never been called to the witness stand to testify in his own defense, and the murder weapon has never been found.