Crocker Case: Mark Wright pleads guilty, DA announces

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - District Attorney Robert Busbee announced today that Mark Wright entered a guilty plea this morning in the case involving the deaths of Elwyn Crocker Jr. and Mary Crocker.

Mark Anthony Wright is Kimberly Wright’s son and Candice Crocker’s brother.

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. Mark Wright faces 10-80 years in prison.

During sentencing, both the prosecution and the defense will have the opportunity to present evidence, with the final decision resting with Judge Matthew Hube.

As part of the plea agreement, the death penalty has been removed from consideration.

In a press release, DA 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."

District Attorney Robert Busbee

See all of WTOC’s coverage of the Crocker Case HERE.