UPDATE: 19-Year-Old Murdered After Body Found in Brazos River

JONES COUNTY, TX — The Jones County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the murder of 19-year-old Brayden Crawford of Abilene after his body was discovered in the Brazos River. 

On April 22, 2026, emergency responders were called to FM 600 and CR 303 (Nugent) where a male body was found under the bridge in the Brazos River. The body was identified as Brayden Crawford, who had been reported missing to Abilene Police earlier that same day. 

On April 29, 2026, officers apprehended a 15-year-old male juvenile in connection with the murder of Crawford. Officers also arrested 19-year-old Elijah Damarques Brown, also of Abilene, and charged him with Tampering with Physical Evidence (Human Corpse). Both individuals are currently in custody in Taylor County. 

The charge of Murder is a 1st degree felony with a range of punishment from 5 years to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The charge of Tampering with Evidence (Human Corpse) is a 2nd degree felony with a range of punishment from 2 years to 20 years in prison with a fine up to $10,000. This remains an active investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Office at (325) 823-3201.