Dustin Crawford, the man accused of stabbing a Fresno County senior deputy district attorney near the downtown courthouse, returned to court Wednesday, but his arraignment was delayed again until September.

Crawford, 42, appeared in Fresno County Superior Court in Judge Jeffrey Hamilton’s Department 52 after his arraignment was postponed Tuesday for conflict-of-interest checks. He is accused of stabbing the prosecutor Thursday, Aug. 20, near the Fresno County courthouse in downtown Fresno.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Crawford sat in the jury area. Media organizations were allowed to photograph and record the proceedings, but Hamilton ordered that Crawford’s face not be photographed or videotaped.

Tulare County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jessica Weatherly appeared on behalf of the prosecution. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office is handling the case at the request of Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

Retired Judge Tyler Tharpe will preside over the case moving forward.

At the defense’s request, Crawford’s arraignment was rescheduled for Sept. 9 at 9 a.m.

Charges Against Crawford

Crawford is charged with assault on a public official, attempted willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors allege he attacked the prosecutor with a knife, causing great bodily injury.

Court records show Crawford has a prior serious or violent felony conviction stemming from a 2015 offense. Prosecutors allege that conviction qualifies as a strike under California law.

If convicted on all charges, Crawford faces life in prison.

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