Crime - Sacto 911

Ask Sacto 911 crime Q&A: Has man accused of illegally making firearms gone to trial?

Q: Has Daniel Crowninshield, “Dr. Death,” gone to trial?

Sicart, Sacramento

A: Daniel Crowninshield of Sacramento is still awaiting trial following a June 2014 federal grand jury indictment charging him with unlawfully making firearms and possessing machine guns.

According to federal court online records, his next court date, for a status conference, is Jan. 14.

Authorities said Crowninshield was known by the online moniker “Dr. Death.”

Using computer-controlled machines, Crowninshield allegedly made lower receivers for AR-15s and other firearms. The lower receiver holds mechanical parts such as the hammer, bolt and firing mechanism that combine with a trigger, firing pin and other parts to make up the firearm. It is made from a metal casting called a “blank.”

Crowninshield was released from jail after posting $25,000 bond.

Cathy Locke: 916-321-5287, @lockecathy