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Humble man wrongfully accused of murder released
A Humble man who was arrested for a crime he did not commit speaks after spending the weekend in jail and being released when investigators learned he had an alibi. FOX 26 anchor DaLaun Dillard sat with the man and his mother to hear more about the story.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - A suspect accused in the death of a man has been released after new evidence has emerged, according to authorities.
Officials said Mark Anthony Crooms, who was previously arrested for murder in the death of his friend, 19-year-old John Dennis Holmes III, was released from the Montgomery County Jail. Surveillance footage showed authorities with guns drawn detaining Crooms's mother, Tracey Shepard, and arresting Crooms at their Humble home on his 20th birthday.
"They didn't even tell me right away what I was being arrested for. They waited until I got to the car," he said. "I asked myself ‘What am I being arrested for?' They said murder. I asked ‘The murder of who?’ and they slammed the door in my face."
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Investigators found Holmes shot and killed one week ago in Spring near the 300 block of Raypine Drive.
Authorities stated new evidence emerged providing an alibi for Crooms, which necessitated his release. Shepard explained the same cameras that caught video of her son's arrest, also showed he was nowhere near the scene of the shooting. He was actually at home.
According to a release, an arrest warrant was issued for Crooms based on probable cause that was established during the early stages of the investigation.
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"He went to go pick up something to eat at about 6:20ish at McDonald's. He came back and you can see him on the camera," she says. "He decided to go outside and throw his trash away at 6:43 p.m. John was murdered at 6:40 p.m. so how could he possibly be 17 miles away murdering someone?"
Crooms says MCSO told him they had evidence showing his fingerprints in the car. "They said my fingerprints were in his car and I told them of course my fingerprints would be in his car because I was with him the same day."
Shepard said it wasn't until Monday when police reviewed the video that Crooms was released from jail and his charges dropped.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office released a statement saying in part, "An arrest warrant was issued for Crooms based on probable cause established during early stages of the investigation."
Officials added, "This development highlights our unwavering commitment to conducting thorough and fair investigations. The integrity of our investigative process is paramount, and we remain dedicated to transparency and accountability in all of our operations."
The investigation into the death of John Dennis Holmes III remains active, authorities said.
If you have any information regarding this case, you're asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at (936) 760-5800, option 3. To remain anonymous, contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867) and refer to case #24A203879.