Jordan Holden, a 22-year-old male tragically died on July 20, 2008, in San Angelo, Texas. Holden was fatally shot while helping his cousin, Jeremy Zapata, and their close friend, Lee White, fend off intruders at a residence on West Harris Avenue. The incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. when Holden and his friends returned from a night out and were met by armed intruders.
Holden was shot in the abdomen and later succumbed to his injuries at the Shannon Medical Center emergency room.
The case remained unsolved for over a decade until significant breakthroughs led to arrests in 2021. Investigators discovered clothing left behind by the intruders, including a black toboggan and a black Nike shoe. DNA testing linked the clothing to Patrick Joseph Stewart Jr., 32, of San Antonio, and Raymond Andrew-Lee Rice, 32, of Allen. Both men were indicted on first-degree felony murder charges and faced potential sentences of 5 to 99 years in jail.
The arrests brought a sense of closure to Holden's family, who had been waiting for justice for many years. Holden's girlfriend was three months pregnant at the time of his death, and their child was expected to be born in January 2009. The family decided to name the child Jordan in his memory.
The investigation into Holden's death showcased the dedication of law enforcement officers and the advancements in forensic technology, such as familial DNA testing, which played a crucial role in solving the case. The San Angelo Police Department's Cold Case Unit, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers, worked tirelessly to ensure that Holden's killer would face justice.
Despite the tragic loss, Holden's memory lives on through his family and friends, who continue to honor his legacy. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims and their families.
