McAlester Man Granted New Trial On Murder Charge

A McAlester man has been granted a new trial after being found guilty of murder in 2017. Michael Crawley is serving a sentence for murder, eluding, burglary and possession of burglary tools in connection to the death of 34-year-old Amber Brewer, also of McAlester.

Investigators say Brewer was a passenger in Crawley's pickup when he ran from police after committing a burglary. At one point in the pursuit, Brewer tried to jump out of the truck but fell under its rear wheels.

11/5/2015 Related Story: Police: McAlester Woman Jumps From Truck, Dies During Chase

A Pittsburg County jury found Brewer guilty in the death, and he was sentenced to life in prison. He appealed his case to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. His attorneys argue that Brewer didn't receive a fair trial because evidence was not properly admitted that would show someone else was driving the vehicle during the pursuit.

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, he was granted a new trial on the murder and eluding charges. The burglary and possession of burglary tools convictions stand.