Jerry Wayne McBride Sr., 63, was shot to death while closing his Vernon, Texas bar, the Cowboys Club, on May 20, 2017.

The investigation produced multiple leads. An eyewitness initially identified Charles Harvey Bryant, but later evidence including phone records and forensic analysis shifted focus to Robert Thomas III as the primary suspect. Ronald Ray Fanner was also charged in connection with the killing. Bryant was later cleared.

In October 2021 Robert Thomas III was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole; Fanner remained in custody awaiting trial. The case underscores how eyewitness identification can be mistaken and how phone and forensic evidence altered the investigation’s course.

If anyone knew Jerry McBride or has information about the events that night, please share what you remember.