Steven Seth Phariss, a 26-year-old white male from Abilene, Texas, tragically lost his life on September 21, 2020. His death was the result of a violent altercation that culminated in a fatal shooting. According to court documents, Steven Seth Phariss was shot multiple times in the arm, neck, and torso. His body was discovered in a pickup truck on Interstate 20, just west of Highway 277.
The incident occurred after a series of arguments with the suspect, Jordan Marshall Spraggins, over Spraggins' wife, Cheyenne.
Steven Seth Phariss and Jordan Marshall Spraggins were co-workers until Spraggins was fired following incidents at work related to Cheyenne. In the days leading up to the murder, the two men had at least one physical altercation, and Spraggins had reportedly told witnesses that he intended to kill Phariss. On the night of the murder, surveillance footage captured a vehicle matching Spraggins' following Phariss as he left work. Approximately ten minutes later, Phariss was killed less than ten miles from where the video was taken.
Jordan Marshall Spraggins was arrested by Abilene police in Sweetwater and charged with murder. He was held on a $150,000 bond. During the trial, Spraggins pleaded guilty to the murder of Steven Seth Phariss. The defense argued that the shooting occurred under sudden passion, suggesting that Spraggins' actions were driven by the emotional turmoil of his failing marriage and his wife's involvement with Phariss. However, the prosecution contended that the evidence showed premeditation, as Spraggins had planned the shooting.
The jury ultimately sentenced Jordan Marshall Spraggins to 50 years in a Texas prison for the murder of Steven Seth Phariss. The trial, which took place in the 350th District Court at the Taylor County Courthouse, was presided over by Judge Thomas Wheeler. The jury's decision reflected the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the victim's family and friends. Spraggins will be eligible for parole, but the sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of such violent actions.
