The bodies of Elwyn Crocker, Jr., b. 2002, and Mary Crocker, b. 2004, were discovered in December 2018. The children’s father, Elwyn Crocker, Sr., his wife Candice Crocker, Candice Crocker’s mother Kim Wright, and Wright’s boyfriend Roy Anthony Prater, were arrested in connection with the children’s deaths. The children were homeschooled. The children’s disabled half-brother, who was the child of Elwyn Crocker, Sr., with another woman, was not reported to be abused.

Elwyn Jr. and Mary were enrolled in Effingham County public schools for most of their lives. Several reports were made about the family to child services. In January 2014, Elwyn Jr. was withdrawn from school to be homeschooled. He was last seen in November 2016 at age 14. Mary continued to attend school until May 2018. She was withdrawn from school to be homeschooled in August 2018. She was last seen in October 2018 at age 14.

The children’s deaths came to light when a tipster called in a wellness check, reporting concerns Mary might be dead. The family at first told authorities Mary had gone to live with her homeless mother in South Carolina. Then authorities discovered the children’s bodies buried on the property. The Crockers, Wright, and Prater were charged with child cruelty and concealing a death. Further charges may be filed pending autopsies.

Date: December 20, 2018
Location: Effingham County, Georgia

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