SAN ANGELO, TX — The prosecution in the New Year’s Eve Downtown San Angelo murder trial of Ryan Renfroe rested its case at 2:40 p.m. today, highlighting key evidence and testimony that painted a vivid picture of the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Jakob Jones.
Two witnesses took the stand during the day: Detective Kenneth Kimblel from the San Angelo Police Department and a representative of the Crime Scene Investigation division. Detective Kimble, who led the evidence collection, presented critical physical evidence to the jury, including the shattered eyeglasses worn by Jakob Jones when he was fatally shot. The bullet pierced through the glasses and into Jones’ right eye, providing a grim testament to the violence of the incident.
SAPD Detective Thomas Gibson followed Kimble’s testimony, shedding light on the volatile relationship between Renfroe and the victim, which was documented extensively through Facebook Messenger exchanges. The jury was shown a series of hostile messages exchanged over three days between Renfroe and Jakob Jones, as well as between Renfroe and two others—Cody Chambers and Jace Wilson. The messages revealed a pattern of escalating tension and animosity.
The messages, many of which contained vulgar language, threats, and insults, also included racial slurs and disparaging remarks. Renfroe targeted Jones, who lived in Grape Creek, with repeated insults, referring to him as a "broke Grape Creek kid" and making demeaning comments about his residence in a trailer. Renfroe also accused Jones of being a meth user, a racist, and a homosexual, frequently using the slur “faggot.” The prosecution emphasized Renfroe’s derogatory and hostile attitude toward Jones and his community.
However, evidence presented earlier in the trial contradicted some of Renfroe’s claims. An autopsy revealed no trace of methamphetamine in Jakob Jones’ system, though his blood alcohol level was 0.11%, slightly above the legal limit for intoxication in Texas.
With the prosecution resting its case, the trial will move to the defense’s arguments after a brief recess. The case is expected to conclude by Friday. The jury will ultimately determine whether Renfroe’s actions were premeditated or if other factors influenced the tragic events of New Year’s Eve.
For more about this trial, see:
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