‘Almost done burying Mary’s body’: Walmart Santa accused of horrific double child murder in Georgia

Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse and murder. Please take care while reading.

In a chilling case that has shocked Georgia, Elwyn Crocker Sr., a former Walmart Santa Claus, stands accused of the brutal murders of his two children, Mary and Elwyn Jr. The siblings’ bodies were discovered buried in their family’s backyard in Guyton, Georgia, in December 2018.

Authorities believe Elwyn Jr. died around November 2016, while Mary was killed approximately two years later. Neither child had been reported missing, as they were homeschooled and isolated from the community

Court testimonies have unveiled a harrowing pattern of abuse. According to the authorities, Mary’s parents kept her naked in a dog crate, beat, starved her, and subjected her to various forms of torture, including being burned with hot water and shocked with a stun gun. Her food was often tainted with substances like rice vinegar to make it unpalatable. Elwyn Jr. reportedly suffered similar abuse before his death.

Text messages reveal cold calculations

During the investigation, authorities uncovered text messages that shed light on the family’s actions following the murders. In one message, Crocker Sr. allegedly informed his wife that he had just seen “the light go out of [Mary’s] eyes” and instructed her to bring black trash bags and cement, indicating a premeditated effort to conceal the crime.

According to Georgia news outlet WJCL, Crocker Sr. also texted the children’s stepmother, “I think she’s been hit in the head too many times,” and then later texted their step-grandmother, “Almost done burying Mary’s body.” To which she allegedly responded, “Cool! How deep?”

Reportedly, another Crocker Sr. message read, “There was a car driving by,” while he dug Mary’s grave. “Driving by very slowly,” he added. “I think it was a cop.”

Further text messages also revealed that Crocker Sr. and the children’s grandmother planned to go to the movies once he was done.

Multiple family members charged

NEW: Elwyn Crocker Sr. and Mark Anthony Wright are both being held on charges related to the death of 14-year-old Mary Crocker and her brother Elwyn Crocker Jr., who would have been 16 this year. Bond was and the cases were bound over to a grand jury.

Crocker (L) Wright (R) pic.twitter.com/5X1VnMLjfm

— Darius Johnson (DJ) (@DariusJohnsonTV) March 6, 2019

Prosecutors charged Crocker Sr. with felony murder, child cruelty, false imprisonment, and concealing a death. Meanwhile, Candice Crocker, the children’s stepmother, pleaded guilty to murder, torture, and sexual battery. She testified against other family members to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to life without parole.

Kim Wright, the children’s step-grandmother, was also charged with multiple counts including malice murder, felony murder, sexual battery, concealing a death, and false imprisonment.
And Anthony Wright, Candice’s brother, was charged with malice murder, felony murder, child cruelty, concealing a death, and false imprisonment.

At the same time, Roy Anthony Prater, Kim Wright’s boyfriend, pleaded guilty to murder and concealing a death, but will not face the death penalty.

Trial delays, legal complications

Despite the gravity of the case, the trials for Crocker Sr. and the remaining co-defendants have faced numerous delays. As of April 2025, no trial date has been set. The delays have been attributed to various factors, including health issues of the defendants and legal motions, such as a 2023 defense motion for judge recusal due to alleged improper communications by the District Attorney’s office.

The case has prompted widespread outrage and introspection. Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed his disbelief, stating, “It’s horrible.” The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has acknowledged shortcomings in its response to prior abuse reports and has vowed policy changes to prevent similar tragedies.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you believe someone you know is being abused, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE or spoken with online via the hotline’s website. Mobile phone owners can also text “START” to the number 88788.

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