Dozens Remember Modesto Doctor, Family Found Murdered
MODESTO (CBS13) – Heavy hearts unite a community in comfort and prayer as friends, family and former patients remember Dr. Amanda Crews.
"We know she's in a better place with her children. God will take care of the rest of it," said friend Isabel Booker.
The 38-year-old – along with her two daughters Elizabeth Ripley, 6, and 6-month-old Rachael Martinez – were among the five killed in their Modesto home two weeks ago.
"She was an amazing woman," said Sunshine Maddux, a former patient of Crews.
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Maddux was one of dozens of former patients who filed into the Gallo Center for the Arts Saturday to pay her final respects to a woman she says always treated her like family.
"I could go in there and vent. She'd stay extra time just to let me say whatever was on my mind, whatever I was going through. Always supportive. Always told me, don't give up," Maddux said.
And it was that same warmth and kindness that drew Noah Key to her office.
He says Crews helped him tackle his high blood pressure – and looked forward to their appointments.
"It wasn't like you were going to a normal doctor; she'd make you feel like a friend," Key said.
A friend, some admit, they were never able to meet but felt compelled to honor.
"You don't' have to know a person to care about them, you know? Just what they stand for in the community," said neighbor Coleniest Davis.
Crews' ex-boyfriend – and Rachael's father – Martin Martinez has been named a suspect in the case. He's also been charged in the October death of Crews' 2-year-old son from a previous marriage.
