Vera Pleads Not Guilty on All Counts in Murder Trial

SAN ANGELO – Ray Vera pleaded not guilty to all four counts including murder Tuesday evening as the second day of his trial finished at the Tom Green County Courthouse. 

Vera is being tried for murder in the October 2022 stabbing death of U.S. Marine Bryce Rudisell in the parking lot of the Whiskey River Saloon in downtown San Angelo following a brawl that began on the dance floor.  

As we reported the day after the murder, a fight between a group of bikers and a group of active duty military members from Goodfellow Air Force base began on the dance floor but was quickly ended by bouncers at the bar.  

Both groups allegedly began fighting again outside in the parking lot where several people were stabbed including Bryce Rudisell, who later died in the hospital of a stab wound to the chest. 

Vera is being tried for murder in the October 2022 stabbing death of U.S. Marine Bryce Rudisell in the parking lot of the Whiskey River Saloon in downtown San Angelo following a brawl that began on the dance floor.  

A jury was seated Tuesday evening after two days of questioning.  Both the defense and prosecutors gave opening statements as well.  The trial is expected to last eight or ten days.