East Texas man arrested for directing members of ‘outlaw motorcycle gang’ in 2020 murder

Darby Good
·2 min read
3

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – A Eustace man was arrested in Smith County on Tuesday for directing what authorities identify as gang members to murder a man in 2020.

According to an arrest affidavit, Brandon Edwards, who was identified as a Sergeant at Arms of a local 1%er Cossacks “outlaw motorcycle gang chapter” was found shot to death off FM 850 in Chapel Hill in May 2020.

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Three men, identified as members of rival gang the Ugly Man Cossacks, were originally arrested for murder but have since been indicted and convicted for organized criminal activity.

“This rivalry is due, in part, to each “club” claiming to be the “real Cossacks” and existing/operating in the same geographical locations,” the affidavit said.

It was determined by investigators, according to the affidavit, that people from national leadership positions within the Ugly Man Cossacks had given a “smash on site” order that targeted the rival gang.

Chad Crowell, 38 of Eustace, identified as the National Sergeant at Arms of the Ugly Man Cossacks also known as “Crow” allegedly called a Sergeant at Arms meeting in Fall 2019 where he told them if they see a member of the 1%er Cossacks “you are to put him down.”

Mugshot of Chad Crowell
Mugshot of Chad Crowell, courtesy of Smith County Jail Records

According to the affidavit, the order, while coming from Crowell is understood to have ultimately been given by the National President.

After this order was given, at least six incidents were reported in the affidavit of violence by members of the Ugly Man Cossacks against members of the 1%er Cossacks:

  • Aggravated assault in Hubbard

  • Aggravated assault in Gilmer

  • Aggravated robbery in Upshur County, shortly after the Gilmer incident

  • Robbery in Tyler

  • Aggravated assault, shooting, in Harrison County

  • Murder, shooting, in Tyler, May 2020 death of Edwards

Crowell was arrested on Tuesday for directing activities of criminal street gangs, and his bail has been set at $2.5 million.

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