EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WSAV) — It’s been nearly seven years since two Effingham County children were found buried behind their family’s home. Now, one of the key defendants in the heartbreaking case – their uncle, Mark Wright – is finally learning his fate. Sentencing hearings begin this morning in Effingham County.
Elwyn and Mary Crocker were just 14 years old when they were starved, beaten, and kept in dog cages before their deaths. Monday, their uncle’s sentencing begins and marks another major step toward justice.
Mark Wright pleaded guilty earlier this year to multiple charges … including second-degree murder, child cruelty, and concealing the deaths of both children. He’s the son of Kimberly Wright, and brother to Candice Crocker, and brother-in-law to Elwyn Crocker Sr. – three of the five total family members charged in the case.
As part of his plea deal, prosecutors dropped the death penalty, but Wright still faces 10 to 80 years in prison. The district attorney’s office says the case represents a years-long pursuit of justice. Their deaths prompted policy changes after investigators found the children had been withdrawn from school and never re-enrolled.
Judge Matthew Hube will hear from both sides over the next three days before issuing Wright’s sentence. Elwyn Crocker Sr., the children’s father, is still awaiting trial with his next court appearance scheduled for October 14th as he faces the death penalty.
Wright’s sentencing runs through Wednesday, with both prosecutors and the defense expected to call witnesses
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