48 Hours Mystery Season 33 Episode 39 The Killing of Cowboy Ray Green

With the beautiful landscape surrounding it, the small town of Breckenridge, Texas looks like the perfect place for a peaceful life. However, the murder of American rodeo cowboy Ray Green shattered this illusion. On October 21, 2016, Ray was found dead in his car, shot multiple times.

In "The Killing of Cowboy Ray Green," the 39th episode of the 33rd season of the investigative documentary series 48 Hours, correspondent Peter Van Sant investigates the murder of the beloved rodeo cowboy and the mystery surrounding his death.

Described as a new Elmer Gantry and John Wayne of the rodeo world, Ray Green was a well-respected and popular figure in Breckenridge, Tex. The 53-year-old, who along with his wife had been running a ranch in the area for many years, had been hired by a group of businessmen to train bulls for rodeos.

The case is shrouded in secrecy and intrigue from the start. When the police's forensic team processed the crime scene, they only found a few pieces of evidence and no murder weapon, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of Ray's death. Police officers reveal to Van Sant that they had several suspects in custody early on in the investigation, but all were released due to lack of evidence.

The first person Van Sant speaks with is Ray Green's widow, Terri Green, who recounts the moments leading up to her husband's death. She describes how Ray was on his way after dropping her off at work when he was ambushed and killed. Terri says she had no idea who would want to kill her husband, and that there was no clear motive for his murder.

Van Sant also interviews Ray Green's best friend, Tony Parker, who was one of the last people to see him alive. Parker explains to the reporter that he had met Ray for dinner and drinks the night before the shooting. Parker reveals the chaotic events at the time and how they tried to call Ray once news of his death broke but never received a response.

Van Sant also delves deep into the possible motive behind Ray Green's murder. He talks to police and sources close to the investigation who believe that the killing could have been driven by a financial dispute. Ray had been involved in a project that cost millions, and the business was not going well. This meant that Ray may have been owed money, and in the days leading up to his murder had been trying to collect it.

Throughout the episode, Van Sant interviews several other people connected to the case, including Kyle Bullock, the editor at the Breckenridge American newspaper, and Billy Powell, the former Stephens County Sheriff. He uncovers further intrigues, suspicious circumstances, and efforts to cover up the killing of the beloved cowboy.

With in-depth interviews, thorough research, and dramatic footage, "The Killing of Cowboy Ray Green" takes the viewers inside the investigation, revealing the case's shocking details and possible motives. It also serves as a reminder that even the most peaceful-looking small towns can hide dark secrets and horrific crimes.