Crocker Case: Mark Wright gets maximum sentence for his role in the deaths of his niece and nephew

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - A judge has sentenced Mark Wright to the maximum of 80 years in prison for his role in the deaths of his niece and nephew in 2018. Wright is one of five family members charged in connection with the case.

The sentence came after two days of emotional testimony. Before announcing the punishment, the judge said he was considering only Wright’s actions, and that in 25 years as a lawyer and judge, he had “never seen depravity” comparable to what was presented during the hearing.

The judge referenced testimony from Wright’s aunt, who described him as a protector. He said Wright made a conscious choice not to protect the victims, Mary and Elwyn.

“Your aunt said you are a protector — I know you are capable of that,” the judge said. “I know you made the conscious decision not to protect Mary and Elwyn. You did the opposite. You participated in the torture resulting death.

“If these children, particularly Mary, could speak from the grave, they would say, ‘Uncle Tony, why did you not protect us? Why did you do this to us?’”

Wright was sentenced to the maximum penalties on all charges, to be served consecutively:

• Second-degree murder: 30 years
• First-degree cruelty to children: 20 years
• Concealing a death: 10 years
• Concealing a death: 10 years
• False imprisonment: 10 years

The total sentence amounts to 80 years to serve.

Friday marked the conclusion of proceedings for three of the five defendants, according to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office’s.

One defendant, Roy Prater, has entered a guilty plea and is awaiting sentencing, and the final defendant, Elwyn Crocker Sr., will be scheduled for trial sometime in 2026.