Steven Seth Phariss, a 26-year-old man from Abilene, Texas, was shot multiple times in the arm, neck, and torso and found dead in a pickup truck on Interstate 20 just west of Highway 277 on September 21, 2020. Court documents say the killing followed a series of arguments with co-worker Jordan Marshall Spraggins about Spraggins’ wife, Cheyenne. Spraggins had been fired after incidents at work related to Cheyenne, and witnesses reported at least one prior physical altercation and that Spraggins said he intended to kill Phariss.

Surveillance footage captured a vehicle matching Spraggins’ following Phariss as he left work; roughly ten minutes later Phariss was killed less than ten miles from where that footage was taken. Spraggins was arrested in Sweetwater and charged with murder. At trial in the 350th District Court at the Taylor County Courthouse, Spraggins pleaded guilty; the defense argued sudden passion tied to a failing marriage while the prosecution asserted premeditation. A jury sentenced Jordan Marshall Spraggins to 50 years in Texas prison; he will be eligible for parole.

If anyone knew Steven, his movements that night, or has information about the events leading up to the shooting, please share what is known.