Jonathan Crews Dateline: Unraveling A Mysterious Texas Death

**The morning of February 2, 2014, in Coppell, Texas, was shattered by a frantic 911 call that would forever change the lives of a family and launch a years-long quest for answers. It was a call that reported the shocking death of 27-year-old Jonathan Crews, found shot in his bed. This tragic event, and the subsequent fight for justice, became the subject of a gripping "Dateline" episode titled "Behind Door 813," drawing national attention to a case shrouded in mystery and suspicion.** The story of Jonathan Crews is one of profound loss, legal battles, and a family's unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind their beloved son's untimely demise. This article delves deep into the Jonathan Crews case, exploring the events of that fateful night, the initial investigation, the persistent efforts of his family, and the pivotal role a civil lawsuit played in shedding light on what truly happened. We will examine the key figures involved, the inconsistencies in accounts, and how a popular true-crime show brought this complex narrative to a wider audience, ensuring that Jonathan's story, and his family's fight, would not be forgotten. *** **Table of Contents** 1. [The Tragic Morning: A 911 Call Shrouded in Mystery](#the-tragic-morning-a-911-call-shrouded-in-mystery) 2. [Who Was Jonathan Crews?](#who-was-jonathan-crews) * [Early Life and Career](#early-life-and-career) * [A Passion for Firearms](#a-passion-for-firearms) 3. [The Initial Investigation and Undetermined Ruling](#the-initial-investigation-and-undetermined-ruling) 4. [Brenda Lazaro: The Girlfriend's Conflicting Accounts](#brenda-lazaro-the-girlfriends-conflicting-accounts) 5. [The Crews Family's Unwavering Fight for Justice](#the-crews-familys-unwavering-fight-for-justice) * [The Civil Lawsuit and its Allegations](#the-civil-lawsuit-and-its-allegations) * [A Jury's Verdict and Substantial Damages](#a-jurys-verdict-and-substantial-damages) 6. [Dateline's "Behind Door 813": Bringing the Story to Light](#datelines-behind-door-813-bringing-the-story-to-light) 7. [Where is Brenda Lazaro Now?](#where-is-brenda-lazaro-now) 8. [Lessons from the Jonathan Crews Case](#lessons-from-the-jonathan-crews-case) * [The Enduring Impact on Families](#the-enduring-impact-on-families) * [The Role of Media in Complex Cases](#the-role-of-media-in-complex-cases) *** ## The Tragic Morning: A 911 Call Shrouded in Mystery On February 2, 2014, 911 operators in Coppell, Texas, received an alarming phone call in the middle of the night. A woman, later identified as Brenda Lazaro, claimed that her boyfriend, Jonathan Crews, had shot himself in the chest. First responders quickly arrived at Jonathan Crews' apartment, located at "Door 813," to find a devastated Brenda Lazaro. She somehow indicated that Jonathan had shot himself with his own gun. However, the scene and the subsequent investigation would soon raise more questions than answers, casting a long shadow of suspicion over the circumstances of Jonathan Crews' death. The initial ruling of his death as "undetermined" only deepened the mystery, setting the stage for a prolonged and arduous pursuit of truth by his grieving family. ## Who Was Jonathan Crews? Jonathan Crews was more than just a name in a tragic news story; he was a vibrant young man, remembered fondly by his loved ones as a loving brother and a jovial friend. His parents, Pam and John Crews, describe him as one of three children, and the eldest. At 27 years old, he had already built a promising career and cultivated various passions. ### Early Life and Career Born and raised in Texas, Jonathan Crews was a resident of Grand Prairie. He was a dedicated professional, serving as the operations director at Concentra, a health care company. His career path suggested a driven and responsible individual, committed to his work and contributing positively to his community. A photograph from a trip to Montana to visit his grandfather captures a glimpse of Jonathan's life outside of work, hinting at a person who valued family and adventure. ### A Passion for Firearms Beyond his professional life, Jonathan Crews was known to be a gun enthusiast. He not only owned firearms but also shot guns competitively as an adult. This detail would become particularly significant in the investigation into his death, given the nature of his fatal wound. His familiarity with firearms, combined with the claim that he had shot himself, created a complex narrative that investigators and, later, a civil jury, would have to untangle. | Personal Data | Details