Effingham County, GA – In a chilling case that has shocked the community, Mark Wright, a Georgia uncle, admitted to assisting in the killing and burial of his niece and nephew in the backyard of their family home. The disturbing deaths of Mary Crocker and Elwyn Crocker Jr., both 14, allegedly involved multiple family members, including the children’s father and grandmother.
The case revolves around accusations that Wright, along with his sister Candice Crocker, her husband Elwyn Crocker Sr., and their mother Kim Wright, collaborated in the deaths and concealment of the children’s bodies. The tragic events span across two years, with Elwyn Jr. disappearing in 2016 and Mary in 2018, neither ever reported missing to authorities.
How the Horrific Crime Unfolded
Mark Wright pleaded guilty in late August to second-degree murder, cruelty to children, concealing deaths, and false imprisonment. Court records indicate that the family was involved in a series of heinous acts culminating in the children’s deaths and subsequent burial in the backyard of the Crocker family property in Effingham County.
Shocking text messages uncovered during the investigation reveal how the family communicated about disposing of the bodies. In one exchange, Elwyn Crocker Sr. told his mother-in-law, Kim Wright, “Almost done burying Mary’s.” Kim’s chilling reply was, “Cool! How deep?” Prosecutors plan to present these texts as evidence, disproving any claims of innocence.
“There was a car driving by, driving by very slowly. I think it was a cop.” – Text message from Elwyn Crocker Sr. to Kim Wright, revealing fear while burying Mary’s body.
These messages portray the brutal treatment and eventual starvation of Mary Crocker, whose body mass index was noted as 8.6 — profoundly below normal — according to forensic pathologist Dr. Edmond Donaghue. Dr. Donaghue explained that Mary’s weight was below the 1st percentile and stated, “I’ve never seen such a low number.”
The Role of Multiple Family Members and Investigation Details
Besides Mark Wright and Elwyn Crocker Sr., their mother Kim Wright has pleaded guilty to murder, and her boyfriend, Roy Prater, was also charged. The involvement of multiple relatives in this family tragedy highlights a disturbing pattern of cruelty and secrecy.
Authorities discovered the bodies in December 2018 after a tip alerted police, leading to a search of the Crocker’s property. The finding came months after Mary Crocker was last seen, and years after Elwyn Jr. disappeared. Both children had never been officially reported missing.
Adding to the tragedy is the fact that the children’s biological mother was reportedly homeless in South Carolina, complicating the family situation and likely contributing to the lack of immediate intervention.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Mark Wright faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October. Elwyn Crocker Sr. is currently undergoing pretrial hearings and faces the possibility of the death penalty. Both deaths have been ruled homicides by medical examiners.
The case has garnered significant media attention and has raised questions about family dynamics, child welfare, and law enforcement’s role in preventing such tragedies.
Unfolding True Crime Story Reveals Complex Family Horror
This somber story underscores the importance of vigilance in child protection and demonstrates how multi-layered and quietly devastating familial abuse can be.
- Mary Crocker died of starvation with a critically low BMI of 8.6.
- Elwyn Crocker Jr. disappeared two years prior and was found skeletal.
- Multiple family members admitted or were charged with involvement.
- Neither child was ever reported missing to authorities.
- Mark Wright pleaded guilty to multiple serious felony charges.
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