Editor’s Note: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. — In a tragic conclusion to a harrowing case, Mark Wright, the step-uncle of the Crocker children, was sentenced on Friday after admitting guilt to several serious charges connected to the deaths of his niece and nephew.

In August 2025, Wright entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, first-degree cruelty to children, additional charges of child cruelty, two counts of concealing a death, and false imprisonment. These charges are linked to the unfortunate deaths of Mary Crocker and Elwyn Crocker Jr., his niece and nephew.

Facing a potential prison sentence ranging from 10 to 80 years, Wright received the maximum punishment of 80 years during Friday’s court proceedings.

The plea agreement included a crucial condition: the removal of the death penalty from consideration.

December 2025 will mark seven years since the teens’ bodies were found buried in the backyard of the home at 402 Rosebud Pl.

Mary was 14-years old when she died. Elwyn Jr. is believed to have been dead for two years when his body was found. He would have been 16-years old that year. 

“He did admit that Mary Crocker was, in fact, kept in a dog kennel, naked, in the kitchen the common area of the house, was zip tied so that she would not get out. We also learned from Mr. Crocker that that was a form of punishment that she had food withheld from her,” Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Detective Abby Brown said during a bond hearing in 2019. 

Investigators discovered photos showing Mary, naked and malnourished, with bruises on her face, hands and body. Family members also reportedly admitted that she had been tased as well.

Wright is one of the five defendants in the Crocker Case. Elwyn Crocker Sr., the children’s father, was in court in May and is facing several charges, including murder, in connection to the children’s deaths.

Three other defendants, Candice Crocker, Kimberly Wright and Roy Prater have already entered guilty pleas.