What Information In The Blackmon Murder Case Led To An Arrest?

Everything centers on a sophisticated firearm, and a once missing barrel.

July 8, 2025 – The recent break in the Blackmon murder case centers on a once missing gun part.

The caliber of weapon used to kill Geraldine Blackmon in 1996 has been known since her death. It was a very common caliber known as .308. Many sporting rifles fire that cartridge.

The .308 Winchester is a popular, versatile rifle cartridge known for its use in hunting, target shooting, and military applications. It’s often considered a “do-it-all” cartridge due to its balance of power, accuracy, and availability.

During the 1996 investigation, Magness was the prime suspect. He was questioned and his home searched. During that initial search, a sophisticated and quite uncommon firearm was found in his possession. That gun featured interchangeable barrels for firing several different calibers. One would use the same trigger group, stock etc, and simply ‘swap’ other barrels on as desired.

Most, but not all of the ‘kit’ was located. Several barrels were found, but the .308 barrel was mysteriously absent. The barrel in the ‘set’ capable of firing the same caliber as the murder weapon had simply vanished.

That missing piece is what prevented Magness from being charged in 1996. In essence, there was no ‘murder weapon’.

The case is reopened

When the case was reopened, Investigators Shea Shaw and Chris Bauman worked with several members of law enforcement. It took the efforts of many to help bring this cold case back to light. The team included Cherry Rice, the original lead investigator. Dennis Findley who worked the case while Hopkins County Sheriff. Texas Rangers Warren Williamson and David Stewart.

The team determined that locating and re-interviewing Magness was critical. Magness was found to be living about 90 minutes away in Midlothian, TX

Warrants obtained and served

With with help of the Texas Rangers, a search warrant for the accused’s home was served. During that search, a bare .308 barrel was found.

A forensic match was attempted and the 1996 bullet and the 2025 barrel’s rifling matched perfectly. Law Enforcement confirmed the barrel was used to fire the fatal shot in 1996.

An arrest warrant for murder was served and Magness was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Texas.

Magness in currently in custody in the Hopkins County Jail. He is charged with murder, and bond is set at $1,000,000.