Three Missouri men have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a 20-year-old man whose death was originally ruled an accidental drowning in 2018, authorities said Monday.
Background
Robbie Crites died on an unspecified date in 2018 in Shannon County. His death was initially ruled an accidental drowning. However, the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in early 2025 after receiving new information. Investigators conducted what they described as an extensive and thorough review of the original investigation, evidence, and circumstances surrounding Crites’ death.
According to court documents, the case gained momentum when witnesses came forward with new information that led investigators to believe the death was not accidental. The sheriff’s office said its investigators refused to let the case remain closed when the facts did not add up.
The Charges
Zachary D. Watson, Ronald D. Brawley III, and Austin D. Womack have each been charged with second-degree murder in Crites’ death. All three are being held on $250,000 bonds each.
Criminal complaints filed in the case contain startling allegations. According to the affidavits, Womack allegedly told at least two witnesses that he killed Crites — first claiming it was because Crites owed him money for drugs, and a second time alleging he killed Crites after sexually assaulting his sister. In the latter account, Womack allegedly told a witness that he beat and stabbed Crites with a fishing hook before kicking him into the river.
The affidavit further states that Womack claimed his co-defendants, Brawley and Watson, "didn’t do it."
Evidence documented in the affidavits includes fishing line wrapped around Crites’ ankles, knees, and back when his body was recovered from the water. Investigators also noted a "grab hook" entering his rib cage area.
Key Takeaways
- Robbie Crites was 20 years old when he died in 2018; his death was originally ruled an accidental drowning
- The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in early 2025 after receiving new information
- Zachary D. Watson, Ronald D. Brawley III, and Austin D. Womack have been charged with second-degree murder
- Each suspect is being held on $250,000 bond
- Womack allegedly confessed to killing Crites in statements to at least two witnesses, according to court documents
- Evidence included fishing line wrapped around the victim’s body and a hook in his rib cage
What's Next
The three defendants are currently in custody awaiting further court proceedings. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office has indicated it remains committed to seeking justice in the case, regardless of how much time has passed. Additional court dates have not yet been scheduled. The case will proceed through the judicial system as the prosecution prepares its evidence against all three defendants.