Delaware man accused of killing his estranged girlfriend — and he was already behind bars on a rape charge

A man has been charged in connection to the murder of his estranged girlfriend in February and police say he was already being held on rape charges in a separate case.

Justin Michael Chaffier, 35, is charged with first-degree murder and stalking following a police investigation into the murder of Nicole Crawford, according to the Delaware Attorney General's Office.

On Feb. 26, New Castle County, Delaware, police were contacted by Crawford’s mother, who had gone to her daughter’s house after her employer called to report she had missed work.

There, they found Crawford dead in her bedroom, according to the attorney general's office.

Delaware police initially asked for the public’s help in finding Chaffier before he was ultimately located in prison, WDEL reported.

Authorities announced Aug. 2 that Chaffier is currently in Montgomery County Jail in Pennsylvania awaiting sentencing on a rape conviction, according to WDEL.

Authorities say he will be extradited to Delaware at a later date to face the murder charges, WDEL reported.

“Nobody should ever have to know the pain that the Crawford family is experiencing,” said Delware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “This is a significant step toward justice – one reached thanks to the diligent work of the New Castle County Police Department – and we implore anyone with additional information on Justin Chaffier to contact detectives.”

Anyone with information about this case or any individuals who have information about Chaffier should contact Det. Michael McNasby of New Castle County Police Department at (302) 395-8136 or michael.mcnasby@newcastlede.gov.