Hearings continue for the man accused in Norma Crutchfield's disappearance

MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - The trial for Troy Slaw, the man arrested in the Norma Crutchfield disappearance case, is set to be heard in February.

On Thursday morning, the attorney for Slaw and the prosecution agreed the case would be ready for trial in the new year.

Police arrested Slaw, 45, for first-degree murder, dismembering a human body, and concealment of a homicidal death. Police also arrested Chase Freeman, 23, for dismembering a human body and concealment of a homicidal death.

Crutchfield was reported missing in November 2020. In a police sworn affidavit, Crutchfield's mother told police the 41-year-old had been living with Slaw at a home in the 1100 block of E. Olive St.

Police learned in December 2020 that Freeman had information about Crutchfield's disappearance. He told them that in Nov. 2020, Slaw had opened a closet door inside a home and a dead woman was inside. Freeman believed the woman, who he believed was Crutchfield, was stabbed in the chest and had been there for days.

Freeman said Slaw had lined the bathroom with shower curtains, window curtains, and plastic. He said a Sawzall tool was on the table and black contractor bags were everywhere. Slaw asked Freeman to help dispose of the body, police said, and Freeman initially denied to authorities that he helped Slaw with that task before later admitting to assisting.

>> Police sworn affidavit reveals details in Norma Crutchfield's death.

Police obtained a search warrant for the East Olive Street address and served it on Dec. 12, 2020. They said investigators found blood-like substances in the home and tested them for DNA analysis. They said the blood was a match for Crutchfield.

Police said Crutchfield's body has not yet been found.

Both Slaw and Freeman have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Freeman will appear in court again in December. Another Pre-Trial hearing is set for Slaw in November.

All people accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

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