Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in 2021 Shallow Grave Case

Forty-five-year-old Maurice Usher Jr. has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of Crooked Tree resident Geoffrey Crawford, whose body was discovered in a shallow grave in 2021.  Usher Jr. had originally been charged with murder and initially pleaded not guilty when his High Court trial began last week before Justice Derick Sylvester. However, acting on the advice of his court-appointed attorney, Oscar Selgado, he changed his plea during Wednesday morning’s proceedings.  The court heard that Crawford was last seen on September 29, 2021 being taken from his home near Mile 31 on the Philip Goldson Highway in his red Nissan Pathfinder. He was later found buried not far from the property after relatives raised alarm over his disappearance.  During the investigation, a neighbour reported assisting two men in jump-starting Crawford’s vehicle, believing they were acquaintances. The witness later observed Crawford lying unconscious with head injuries in the back seat as the men drove off, prompting a report to police. Usher Jr. was the only person charged in the case.  Before sentencing, Justice Sylvester ordered several reports to be prepared, including a social inquiry report, psychiatric evaluation, victim impact statement, and character witness statements. The prosecution and defense are also expected to agree on mitigating and aggravating factors.  The reports are to be submitted to the court by February 19, and sentencing has been set for March 3. Defense attorney Selgado indicated he intends to call three character witnesses on behalf of Usher Jr.