A shocking development has come out of Missouri where three men have been arrested in connection with a death that was once believed to be an accidental drowning.
For more than seven years, the family of 20-year-old Robbie Crites believed something was wrong with the original investigation. Now, after authorities reopened the case, new evidence suggests the young man’s death may have been a violent crime rather than an accident.
Investigators say fresh witness statements and a detailed reinvestigation helped uncover the truth behind the incident that happened in 2018. The arrests have brought renewed hope for justice to the victim’s family after years of unanswered questions.
Missouri Authorities Arrest Three Men in Connection With Robbie Crites’ Death
According to the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office, three men have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Robbie Crites.
The accused include:
- Zachary D. Watson
- Ronald D. Brawley III
- Austin D. Womack
The incident happened on June 16, 2018, near the Jacks Fork River in Eminence, Missouri. Eminence is a small tourist town in the Ozarks, located about 130 miles east of Springfield.
At the time, officials ruled Crites’ death as a drowning. However, his family never believed it was an accident.
Family Never Accepted the Drowning Explanation
Robbie Crites’ mother had publicly expressed doubts about the official ruling years ago. She believed that the truth about her son’s death had not yet been discovered.
In a 2020 interview with a local news station, she said she would never stop fighting for justice.
Her words showed the pain and determination of a mother searching for answers. She promised that she would keep pushing until the real story behind Robbie’s death came out.
Years later, that determination appears to have played a role in bringing the case back into focus.
Case Reopened After New Evidence Emerged
In early 2025, investigators from the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case. They conducted a detailed review of the original investigation, including:
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence
- Circumstances surrounding the death
During this review, detectives reportedly found new information suggesting that the death was not accidental.
This new evidence led authorities to believe that Robbie Crites may have been attacked and deliberately placed in the river.
Witnesses Claim Suspect Confessed to Killing Crites
Court documents reveal that the investigation gained momentum after several witnesses told police that Austin Womack had admitted to killing Robbie Crites.
One witness reportedly confronted Womack about the incident roughly three weeks after the death. According to the witness, Womack was walking around with a 12-pack of beer when the conversation happened.
The witness claims Womack admitted that he killed Crites because the victim allegedly owed him money related to drugs.
Another witness also told investigators that Womack spoke about the attack during a bonfire gathering in the nearby town of Winona.
Details of the Alleged Attack
According to the probable cause statement, Womack allegedly described the attack in disturbing detail.
Investigators say he claimed to have:
- Confronted Robbie Crites
- Hit him with his own fishing pole
- Punched and kicked him
- Stabbed him with a fishing hook
- Dragged the hook across his torso
- Finally kicked him into the river
Several people who attended the bonfire reportedly confirmed hearing these statements.
Witnesses also told authorities that some individuals had previously been wrongly suspected in the case.
Another Suspect Placed at the Scene
Investigators say multiple witnesses placed Zachary Watson near the Jacks Fork River on the day Robbie Crites died.
Witnesses reportedly said Watson was seen at the river with another man during the time the incident occurred.
Authorities believe the attack may have involved more than one person.
Sheriff Says Justice Is Long Overdue
Shannon County Sheriff Steven Hogan said the case had remained on investigators’ minds for years.
According to him, the truth about Robbie Crites’ death remained hidden for more than seven years.
He stated that investigators refused to let the case remain closed because the evidence never fully matched the original conclusion.
Officials say the department is committed to finding justice no matter how much time has passed.
Suspects Held on $250,000 Bond
All three suspects are currently being held in the Shannon County Jail.
Authorities have set a cash-only bond of $250,000 for each defendant.
The sheriff’s office is also asking the public to come forward with any information related to the case. Officials say even small details could help investigators fully understand what happened on that day in 2018.
Overview of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Robbie Crites (20 years old) |
| Incident Date | June 16, 2018 |
| Location | Jacks Fork River, Eminence, Missouri |
| Original Ruling | Accidental drowning |
| Case Reopened | 2025 |
| Charges | Second-degree murder |
| Suspects | Zachary Watson, Ronald Brawley III, Austin Womack |
| Bond Amount | $250,000 cash-only each |
