District Attorney Michael Murray reported that on Friday, Nov. 21, a Brown County jury convicted Joe Caine of the murder of Tony Roberts. On Monday, Nov. 25, Judge Mike Smith sentenced Caine to 45 years in prison.

District Attorney Michael Murray and Assistant District Attorney Elisha Bird presented evidence during the trial that on Oct. 2, 2024, Caine stabbed his son-in-law during a dispute. Brownwood Police Department detectives Brandon Miller, Jared Spohn and James Wells all testified that evidence indicated that Caine’s stabbing was not justified as self-defense based upon observations of numerous individuals present for the altercation.

During the trial, Caine’s defense attorney relied on the self-defense theory. Murray, the District Attorney, presented evidence that no one else present during the dispute had a weapon and that no deadly force was used by anyone that would justify Caine’s actions.

On the day of the murder, patrol officers Logan Humphries and Jessica Risdon were able to immediately begin an investigation in the actions of Caine. Both Humphries and Risdon explained to the jury their observations and described their interviews. The jury also heard from other witnesses who were present on the scene when the murder occurred. Based upon all of the evidence, the jury determined that Caine should be held responsible for murdering Roberts.

After the guilty verdict rendered by the jury, Murray presented evidence to the judge that Caine was physically violent on other occasions. Numerous witnesses testified about the impact of the loss of Tony Roberts on his family and the community and spoke of Tony’s love for his family.

The District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Brownwood Police Department for their hard work in investigating this case. The DA’s Office also appreciated the community support for Tony and his family throughout the trial.