Man accused in disappearance, dismemberment of Decatur woman goes to trial this summer

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A judge has set a trial date for the man accused in the disappearance of Norma Crutchfield.

Troy Slaw, 45, trial has been set for mid-August.

Police arrested Slaw 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.

During Thursday's hearing Attorney Christina Mullison, with the Macon County State's Attorney's Office, argued for the State's motion in limine. These motions included witness testimonies from Slaw's former girlfriends and Norma's friend, in addition to video recordings of interviews done by investigators with witnesses and Norma's friends and family.

According to court records, the State has subpoenaed more than 40 people. However, not everyone on the list will get the chance to testify during the trial.

Slaw's attorney argued during today's motion to exclude some of the witnesses based on them being "desperate for justice" and some of the witnesses not knowing the exact timeline of their testimonies.

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 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.

During Thursday's hearing, the court learned Freeman has a disposition hearing set for after Slaw's trial.