More than two years after the disappearance of Chyna Crawford, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced a second arrest in connection to the case.
Chyna, who was 25 when she vanished, has been missing from Washington D.C. since October 23, 2023. Chyna’s family grew worried when they had not heard from her for a couple of days, so they reported her missing on October 26. Dateline featured Chyna’s disappearance in the “Missing in America” digital series shortly after that. Chyna’s sister, Keya Strong, told Dateline at the time that the family was determined to find Chyna. “We are going to continue, and I want everybody to know this,” she said. “We’re not stopping until we find her.”
Chyna is still missing. According to a press release from MPD, an initial investigation suggested “suspicious circumstances” surrounding her disappearance. “The case was further investigated by detectives assigned to the Homicide Branch.” As a result, in March 2024, “a woman was indicted on several charges and a DC Superior Court bench warrant was issued.” Thirty-two-year-old Lashawn Washington was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and “charged with First Degree Murder-Felony Murder, Kidnapping, and Obstruction of Justice.” It is still unclear exactly what the connection is between Washington and Chyna. Washington’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. In November 2025, Washington’s attorneys submitted a bond review motion seeking her release from custody. DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied the request.
Then, on February 2, 2026, MPD announced in a press release that another arrest has been made. “As the investigation progressed, MPD homicide detectives identified a second suspect,” the release states. “On Thursday, January 29, 2026, members of the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested 31-year-old Bjarni Cooper, of Northeast. Cooper was charged with First Degree Murder-Felony Murder, Conspiracy, Armed Carjacking, and Armed Robbery.” According to DC Superior Court records, Cooper was assigned an attorney at a bench warrant hearing, and a plea of not guilty was entered. He is being held on no bond, and is expected back in court in April for a status hearing.
Chyna is still missing, and her case remains under investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a “reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information to call the MPD at 202-727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
