Crawford Lee Bruce, Jr.

Crawford Lee Bruce, Jr. Image from the Montgomery County DA Facebook page. 

A man has been convicted for a murder that took place two years ago at a hotel in Hope Hull. 

According to a statement from Montgomery County District Attorney Azzie Oliver, Crawford Lee Bruce, Jr. approached Marion Woodward, who was inside of a car in the parking lot of an America's Best Inn on Feb. 26, 2026. 

An argument over Woodward talking to Bruce's girlfriend began before it escalated and turned violent. Bruce reportedly drew a gun and fired and Woodward, killing him. 

“Crawford Bruce Jr.’s actions displayed a complete disregard for human life and inflicted irreversible harm on Mr. Woodard’s family," said Oliver in the statement. "Let me be absolutely clear: actions of this nature will be met with unwavering prosecution and significant consequences. My office is committed to protecting the public and upholding the rule of law.”

Bruce will be sentenced by Judge Brooke Reid at a future hearing. As he has prior convictions he may face life in prison, the statement said. 

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