CRESTLINE, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In a significant development in the Crestline double homicide case, Canadian authorities have arrested the suspect, Maxwell L. Anatra, as he attempted to cross into Canada. Anatra, 24, is now in custody in Michigan while arrangements are made for his return to Crawford County.
The incident began on the morning of November 19, when the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 10:00 AM for a welfare check at 722 N. Henry St.
A concerned co-worker reported that a colleague, identified as Lisa R. Anatra, 61, had not reported to work and that there may have been signs of a disturbance at her home. The call was subsequently transferred to the Crestline Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers requested additional support and gained entry into the residence, where they discovered the body of Lisa Anatra. A second victim, 63-year-old Matthew Lindsey Anatra, was found deceased in a detached garage on the property.
Authorities immediately alerted the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI&I), as well as the Crawford County Prosecutor and Coroner, who responded to the scene.
Investigators learned from family members that Maxwell Anatra had been present at the residence the night prior and had since become unreachable.
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered that he had traveled to Michigan earlier that morning and might try to flee the country.
Following the issuance of a murder warrant, Crawford County law enforcement coordinated with Homeland Security.
The collaboration proved effective when, at approximately 5:30 p.m., it was reported that Anatra had been apprehended by Canadian officials.
As of now, law enforcement continues to process evidence at the crime scene, with operations ongoing into the night. Investigators have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
Crawford County Now will continue to follow this developing story.