Joshua Paul Cowling, 38, was shot and killed on February 24, 2018, during an all-night gathering at a home in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Multiple people were present and an altercation broke out that led to Cowling’s death.

Aaron Tyler Crum, 26, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. Evidence at trial included conflicting accounts about who was the primary aggressor and whether Crum acted in self-defense. The jury rejected the self-defense claim and convicted Crum of murder; he was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

The case generated extensive litigation, including appeals challenging the admission of certain evidence and limits on cross-examination; the appellate court affirmed the trial court’s judgment. If anyone at the gathering or who knew Joshua can shed light on what happened that night, please come forward.