Earl Stephens III, a 63-year-old man from De Leon, Texas, tragically lost his life on July 25, 2020. He was one of three victims in a horrific shooting incident in the Oliver Springs community of Northern Comanche County. The other victims were Ashlyn Smith, an 18-year-old girl, and Patricia Stephens, Earl's 62-year-old wife. Patricia was initially transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth but succumbed to her injuries later.
The suspect, Brendan Jenkins, a 22-year-old man, called 911 and admitted to the shooting. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found Earl and Ashlyn deceased, and Brendan was promptly arrested. A capital murder warrant was issued for Jenkins, who was detained in the Comanche County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings.
The Comanche County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Texas Ranger Division, conducted a thorough investigation into the triple homicide. The motive behind the murders was not disclosed by the authorities. The Sheriff's Office extended their condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and requested community support during their time of grief.
The case remains under investigation, with law enforcement agencies continuing to work diligently to uncover all details surrounding the tragic incident.
