Alexander Crawford, 34, was sentenced Thursday to 50 years to life in state prison for the December 2022 murder of security guard Jave Garanganao outside a private student housing complex near USC.
Crawford, an ex-con with a prior burglary conviction, apologized to the victim’s family but maintained he was “not really a bad person” and expressed intentions to “become a better person.” Authorities said Garanganao had asked Crawford to leave the Lorenzo apartment complex when the fatal confrontation occurred.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted surveillance video showing Crawford firing 10 rounds at the unarmed guard, arguing it was a premeditated act. Defense attorneys argued for voluntary manslaughter, claiming Crawford believed he was threatened.
The victim’s family spoke passionately at the sentencing, with Garanganao’s 16-year-old daughter describing the loss of her father. Crawford also pleaded no contest to a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta imposed the maximum sentence, citing the danger Crawford poses to society. Crawford has remained in custody since his arrest.
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