One of the stars of the beloved sitcom Family Matters, actor Darius McCrary, has recently found himself in serious legal trouble. Best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the hit series that aired from 1989 to 1998, McCrary was arrested near the U.S.-Mexico border in California and is currently being held in a San Diego jail, according to reports from TMZ.
The 48-year-old actor was taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol on Sunday. This arrest has been described as a fugitive arrest linked to an out-of-state felony charge. According to the online records, the California Penal Code section cited in McCrary's case typically applies to individuals wanted in another state for serious offenses, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
While details surrounding the alleged crime remain unclear, this isn’t the first time McCrary has encountered legal issues. The Family Matters star was previously arrested in 2015 and again in 2023 for failing to pay child support. His legal troubles appear to stem from his contentious split with ex-wife Tammy Brawner, which was finalized in 2019 after a two-year court battle.
As part of their divorce agreement, McCrary was ordered to pay $1,366 per month in child support. In January 2023, he filed a restraining order against Brawner, alleging that she was 'terrorizing' him. This followed a prior attempt to seek an order of protection in August 2022, which was denied after he failed to appear in court. McCrary claimed he missed the hearing due to being 'displaced at the time' and having to 'flee from my ex.'
In his claims, McCrary alleged that he no longer resides in his own home due to abuse—physical, verbal, and mental—from his ex-wife. He further stated that she 'turned our then home into a drug den' and, after he left the country to enter rehab, returned to find his belongings placed in storage, which she refused to return. McCrary noted that the 'final straw' came in December when she allegedly threatened to take his dog if he didn’t pay her.
He expressed fears for his safety, stating that he worries he could 'end up like Phil Hartman,' the Saturday Night Live alum who was tragically shot and killed by his wife in 1998. These alarming claims add a layer of complexity to McCrary's ongoing legal battles, drawing attention to the darker side of his personal life.
Despite the recent turmoil, it’s essential to remember Darius McCrary's legacy as Eddie Winslow on Family Matters. His portrayal made him one of the most recognizable teen actors of the ’90s, with the beloved sitcom running for nearly a decade. McCrary held his own alongside co-stars like Jaleel White, Reginald VelJohnson, and Jo Marie Payton, showcasing his charm and comedic timing throughout the series.
As McCrary faces these legal challenges, it serves as a stark reminder that life off-screen can often be a lot messier than the sitcom world he once inhabited.
