Home / Crime and Justice / River Drowning Ruled Murder: Three Arrested After 8 Years
River Drowning Ruled Murder: Three Arrested After 8 Years
7 Mar
Summary
- Three men charged with murder in 2018 drowning case.
- New evidence suggests victim was assaulted and wrapped in fishing line.
- Case reopened in 2026 after investigators found inconsistencies.
Three men have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Robbie Crites, initially ruled a drowning in June 2018. Zachary Dalton Watson, Austin Drake Womack, and Ronald D. Brawley III are now facing charges after the Shannon County Sheriff's Office reopened the case at the start of 2026. An extensive review uncovered new information indicating Crites' death was not accidental.
Authorities allege that on or around June 16, 2018, the accused men physically assaulted Crites, wrapped him in fishing line, and then pushed him into the Jacks Fork River, causing him to drown. Witnesses provided statements suggesting Womack admitted to the killing, citing owed drug money and, on another occasion, sexual assault of his sister.
Further witness accounts indicate Brawley and Watson dropped Crites at the river, returning later to ask for fishing supplies. Crites was later recovered from the water with fishing line around his body and a 'grab hook' in his rib cage. Brawley allegedly confessed to starting the incident over a drug deal gone wrong. The investigation remains active.
