Episode 292: William Rufus Stephens Jr.

In the early hours of January 3, 2009, a 29-year-old man is found shot in his truck outside a bar in College Station, Texas. He’s still alive at this point, so first responders rush him to the hospital, where he sadly passes away. Detectives get to work and quickly identify a suspect - a 36-year-old car salesman with a history of violence. However, detectives struggle to figure out a motive behind the shooting. In fact, the victim and the murderer never even exchanged words. In episode 292, Jac and Alexis delve into the tragic murder of William Rufus Stephens Jr., and his killer’s history of “psycho” behavior.

Om Podcasten

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)