MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Opening statements began Tuesday, May 15 in the trial of a former University of Memphis football star. Xavier Crawford could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted of the beating, rape and robbery of a north Memphis woman three years ago.
The woman Xavier Crawford is accused of beating, raping, and robbing took the stand and didn't waste any time pointing at Crawford as the man that attacked her.
Prosecutors and her husband told the jury of 12 women and 1 man what happened during that attack.
Crawford sat quietly in the Shelby County courtroom, taking notes as prosecutors made their opening statements in his aggravated rape and robbery trial.
On February 17th, 2009, prosecutors say Crawford attacked, raped, and robbed the 67-year-old victim in the driveway of her north Memphis home.
Crawford listened as the prosecutor, friends and family of the victim described injuries the woman suffered.
The testimony was graphic, saying she was "bloody from head to toe" after her lower jaw was broker in three places, her lips split completely open, and lacerations all over her body.
The victim's husband told jurors, "She looked like someone hit her in the face with a skillet."
Malcolm Astor, who lived six blocks from the victim, was one of the first ones to see her after the attack. He testified that her eyes were swollen shut, and she couldn't talk; all she could do was grunt.
Memphis wrestling legend Eddie Crawford, better known as 'The Snowman,' never imagined the son he helped become the number 1 high school football recruit in the nation two decades ago would be on trial fighting for his freedom.
"I really feel stunned… somewhere something went wrong," he said, "I don't know what could have happened."
In 1988, Crawford, known to many as 'The X-Man,' was one of the most sought after football players in the country. 21 years later he became one of the most wanted suspects in the county.
"He had everything going for him so I don't understand what really happened."
Former Memphis City Council Woman Pat Vander Schaaf dated Crawford for 3 years.
She stood by him after he was accused of stalking and threatening her and she's standing by him now.
"This is not the Xavier Crawford I have known for years," she said. "I describe him as a gentle soul."
This is just one of two trials Crawford is facing. He's also accused of raping his 18-year-old pregnant relative.
