An unexpected update in the Crocker death penalty case in Effingham County.
District Attorney Robert Busbee announced Friday that Mark Wright entered a guilty plea Friday morning morning in the case involving the deaths of Elwyn Crocker Jr. and Mary Crocker.
Wright pled guilty to the following charges:
- Murder in the Second Degree (reduced from Malice Murder)
- Cruelty to Children in the First Degree
- Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (reduced from First Degree)
- Two counts of Concealing the Death of Another
- False Imprisonment
Sentencing is scheduled for October. During sentencing, both the prosecution and the defense will have the opportunity to present evidence, with the final decision resting with Judge Matthew Hube. Wright faces a potential sentence of 10 to 80 years in prison. As part of this plea agreement, the death penalty has been removed from consideration.
District Attorney Robert Busbee issued the following statement:
“This case has weighed heavily on Effingham County for many years. While there is still a long road ahead, today’s plea is an important step toward accountability and justice for Elwyn Crocker Jr. and Mary Crocker. I am relieved that this matter is finally moving forward after being stalled for so long. Our office remains committed to seeing this case through to its conclusion.”
Wright is now the third of five defendants to enter a guilty plea in the case, joining his sister, Candice Crocker, and Roy Prater. Elwyn Crocker
Background
December 20, 2018 – Deputies with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office visit the Crocker home on Rose Bud Place in Guyton for a welfare check on a young girl. Ultimately, authorities find two teenage children – Elwyn John Crocker, Jr. and Mary Frances Crocker – buried in the backyard with a third found in the bathroom. Elwyn had been missing for more than two years. Authorities discover the children were were kept in dog kennels, naked and deprived of nourishment and other basic care.
Elwyn Crocker Sr. was arrested along with four others – Candice Crocker, Roy Prater, Kimberly Wright, and Mark Wright. The minor child was removed from the home and placed in the custody of DFCS.
December 21, 2018 – Judge Peed issues an order on the temporary placement of the minor child.
October 24, 2019 – A special grand jury presentment results in the reindictment of Elwyn Crocker on 13 felony counts against Crocker, including 2 counts of Malice Murder, 2 counts of Felony Murder, 4 counts of Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Sexual Battery, 2 counts of False Imprisonment, and 2 counts of Concealing the Death of Another.
According to the indictment, on multiple occasions between Jan. 1, 2018, and Oct. 28, 2018, Mary Crocker was zip-tied, starved and held in a dog crate while naked, was beaten with different objects, burned with hot water, and shocked with a stun gun.
December 4, 2019 – The State announces intention to seek the death penalty for Elwyn Crocker, Candice Crocker, Kimberly Wright, and Mark Wright.
February 2, 2020 – Capital defenders file motions to allow Crocker to appear in plain civilian clothes without shackles when appearing in front of the media. Peed grants the motion on clothing, but leaves the matter of shackling up to the Sheriff’s Office.
February 21, 2020 – As part of the discovery process, the State announces its first witness list, which includes 72 names.
November 3, 2020 – Candice Crocker pleads guilty to avoid the death penalty. As part of the plea, her sentence is life in prison without the possibility of parole. Roy Prater also pleads guilty.
March 1, 2021 – Defense files motions 40 pre-trial motions. One motion asks the state to respond to each motion in writing and individually.
June 11, 2021 – State responds to all 40 motions by the defense. The parties are in agreement on three of the motions. The Court schedules 37 other motions for a hearing.
August 18, 2021 – Capital Defender Jerilyn Bell asks for a continuance following the departure of one of Crocker’s attorneys. Defendants facing capital offenses are entitled to two lawyers under SCOTUS precedent.
September 24, 2021 – A new attorney from the Capital Defender’s office, Samuel Wood, joins Crocker’s case.
