Bond Set For Accused CS Murderer
WEATHER ALERT: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Houston and Trinity counties until 10:00 p.m. Keep up to date with KBTX Media for the latest weather developments.
Bond Set For Accused CS Murderer Save Email Print
Posted: 10:41 PM Jan 4, 2009
 Last Updated: 11:58 AM Jan 5, 2009
 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com
59 comments
A | A | A

Bond has been set for the man accused of killing an Aggie in College Station. So far, College Station Police say only one person knows why it happened.

36-Year old Chris Schmotzer has been charged with murder and his bond set at $300,000.

College Station Police said Schmotzer killed 29-year-old Rufus Stephens, shooting him in the head. Stephens was killed behind POETS bar, early Saturday morning. Early Sunday, police arrested 36-year-old Chris Schmotzer.

For the last several years, Rufus Stephens worked his way through school as a bartender at Ozona. Co-workers said he was friendly and well-liked.

"That's why its so odd to be talking about the way he died because he was such a tender guy," said uncle George Stephens.

Friday night, Ozona employees went to POETS bar, in College Station, a place the co-workers often frequented. Witnesses said 36-year-old Chris Schmotzer was there too.

"There are witnesses that said he was staring at this group the victim was with, intently," said College Station Police Lieutenant Rodney Sigler.

Stephens' friends say Schmotzer spoke to the group, then continued to stare. By 2a.m., POETS closed, and Stephens and a friend continued to hang out.

"The victim and a friend were out in the parking lot playing football," said Sigler

According to Police documents, as the friend drove away, he told police he saw Stephens getting into his truck, with Schmotzer still in the parking lot.

Police say around 3a.m. Schmotzer's truck was recorded on surveillance video, driving away.

At 3:30a.m. a POETS employee found Stephens in his truck bleeding, with a gun-shot wound to the head. He would later die at College Station Medical Center.

Investigators said the bullet and casing found on scene matched ammunition found in Schmotzer's truck. Police said they don't have a motive yet, which leaves little consolation for Stephens' family.

The 28-year-old completed his degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science three weeks ago.

"He took away a young man's life when he was really coming into his own and was ready to start that next phase of his life, and it was stolen from him just senselessly," said George Stephens.

More Stories
Texas Hurricanes Kickoff Scheduled For 8:00 p.m.

McNair Death Investigation Continues, Ruled Homicide

Texas World Speedway Hosts Charity Extravaganza

Cowboys Stadium Likely Off Limits for Drilling

 Its A Wrap On July 4th!

Tea Party on July 4th

Navasota Celebrates Independence Day with Parade, Celebration

Former NFL Quarterback McNair Killed in Tennessee
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 31, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I knew Rufus when we waited tables in San Antonio. He was a funny, smart guy that always made us laugh. I just found out and I'm so saddened by the news. He had so much to live for.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 24, 2009 at 08:51 PM
is there any new news about schmotzer? if he is fighting it? and why even try if your caught red handed? sure do miss my good friend ruf.
Posted by: friend Location: houston on Feb 13, 2009 at 06:31 AM
this is crazy! i know chris and his wife and children. his wife and i have been friends for a very long time! chris is a loving dad and husband. his wife was with him at the club that night.. she left early to relieve the babysitter. i would wait to see what the outcome of the balistics show before you go accusing people of such a horrible act@ i am so sorry for the family i feel horrible for chris family and freindsalso. it tears me up for his wife and children. think about their feelings too!
Posted by: frank Location: bcs on Jan 11, 2009 at 06:37 AM
the postma rings twice.....the bartender ring all night
Posted by: frank Location: bcs on Jan 9, 2009 at 02:49 PM
any more info. some one thought it was over a tshirt??????
Posted by: frank Location: bcs on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:09 PM
must be more to story....wine women and song
Posted by: anom Location: bryan on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:41 AM
car salesman buy or die?
Posted by: Hater1 Location: Here on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Aggie Lawyer Location: Houston----"Rarely are there random murders---whether in B/CS or Harlem. There's always a connection, and if there isn't, you probably have the wrong person." So, all of the people in the wrong place at the wrong time that have died in gang violence weren't random? How about our brothers and sisters that dies on 9-11, very random. There is not always a connection. Random thieves breaking into someone home, random.... so on and so on. Lawyer huh??
Posted by: Woody Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:06 AM
Evidence that is the ammo found matching the bullet found logged in the door of the victim and video of accused killer leaving scene right after the killing is why CSPD locked him up. I think the CSPD is way ahead of the ball game and has the right guy. It is common sense and those who dont have it are nothing more than Pre K.
Posted by: Just a thought on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Rufus' friends may not recognize Schmotzer personally because Rufus was a bartender, therefore he sees hundreds of people a night and may not remember every drunk guy at a bar. Schmotzer could've been angry that Rufus didn't serve him alcohol one time or something. People who are angry when they are drunk definitely do not think or act rationally. So, why is a 36 year old man who is married with children (the supposed killer) hanging out at bars till 3am anyway? Sounds like this guy has some other issues at home or elsewhere.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Suppose the police are wrong, how would you like to be in the shoes of the accused.
Posted by: Jn on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Responding to:HAVE A HEART Location: BRYAN TX on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:38 AM- I didnt predict anything...READ MY COMMENT AGAIN I said PREMEDITATED,...that means that he may have planned it. Yes, of course Im praying for the family.. Resonding to :a friend of Rufus Location: bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:56 AM, God bless you and Rufus, I really pray that they get this guy! Its hard to understand why someone would just pull a gun and kill someone for no reason! Its awful! God bless all, my heart goes out to the family and friends of Rufus
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Why is there a bond being set? This guy should be held without bond, suppose he is a flight risk?
Posted by: To PI on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:09 AM
"Why didn’t anyone see Chris pull the trigger? Where was everyone when Ruf was shot?" An hour after closing, there arean't a whole lot of people around; the surveillance tape shows only 1 for sure, Chris leaving... "If Chris did it why would he hang onto the murder weapon?" Apparently he didn't; all they found was ammunition...the gun is probably somewhere in the mud of Wolf Creek. "Why would Chris go to work the next morning and act like nothing happened?" Just speculating here, but folks who do things in a drunken stupor frequently don't remember a lot about it; in a lot of DWI hit and runs, when the cops track down the drunk the next morning, his first comment is "Wow, what happened to my car, man?"
Posted by: Woody Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:53 PM
TO AGGIE LAWYER: There was no relationship between the parties and the police jumped on the first person merely because he was leaving the scene. Thats what you said right????? because it says so on the bottom here. If I am right there was enough evidence to put this man in for further investigation and you still think the police arrested him because he was seen leaving the scene. What about the ammo? and witness who said the guy was staring him down? Innocent until proven guilty yes but common so called lawyer are you that dumb?
Posted by: PI Location: Texas on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:24 PM
The circumstances of the case seem extremely open and shut. I hope the investigators can look past the obvious and get to the bottom of the event. When everything seems to be so evident it is usually far from the truth. Also it seems the small town media and other posters here have already convicted Chris before due process of the law. Plenty of people look around the bar and stare at people especially when they are playing pool. I don’t understand why this is being highlighted so much in all the articles related to this story. Why didn’t anyone see Chris pull the trigger? Where was everyone when Ruf was shot? If Chris did it why would he hang onto the murder weapon? Why would Chris go to work the next morning and act like nothing happened? Some things regarding the case against Chris just don’t add up. Additionally, If you have forgotten this is America where an individual is innocent until proven guilty. It is terrible time for all parties related to this horrible incident but don’t make a scapegoat out of an innocent man with a Barney Fife type of investigation. If Chris is truly guilty then he should pay for his crime but until a conviction is handed down he should not be labeled a killer.
Posted by: frank Location: bcs on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:19 PM
like paul harvey said.....and now the rest of the story
Posted by: Me Location: Here on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Typical neighbor fighting between these two cities. Criminals live in both cities, commit crimes in both cities and go unpunished by both cities. Let's face it, this whole area is turing into a statewide joke! People beat their neighbor to death with a shotgun, get probation, drunk drag racing on Highway 6 that causes a wreck that hurts a small girl, probation, provide alcohol to minors who die in a drunk driving crash, get credit for time served in ANOTHER COUNTY!!! There is no justice system here. As long as real crime goes unpunihsed here, do not expect things to get any better. I still cannot understand why alcohol is legal. It causes more harm than any drug in history. Liquid courage. I wish prohibition would have never been revoked. This drug is one of the worst out there and it is legal. Chances are if this dude did it, Mr Stephens probably cut in front of him at the bar or stepped on his shoe or something insignificant to cause this "nice" guy to commit murder.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Boerne TX on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I've been there everyday since the shooting with Ruf's dad Rufus Sr to watch his world fall apart. Please only write things you loved about Ruf on here or don't say anything at all. That was his only son and everything he had to live for. To see a grown man in such agony has broken our families heart and I hope we prevail through this. We will miss you Ruf and may you rest in peace.
Posted by: M Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I am sorry you can look as normal as anyone else and still so some crazt stuff. I think he should rot in prison for the rest of his life. Why is there a bond set for someone who has took some so innocent life away. He should have thought about his wife and children if he did not want to end up like this but he didn't so noe he has to pay the price for what he did.
Posted by: John Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:58 AM
"but building a case that establishes proof beyond a reasonable doubt is rarely established by circumstantial evidence." True, but IGNORING compelling circumstantial evidence (ammunition usually implies something to use it in, yes? And his vehicle in the vicinity means if he's NOT the killer, he's probably a witness and if someone else did it, 5th amendment doesn't apply, but silence makes him an accomplice after the fact) and allowing your prime suspect to possibly take a one way boat trip to Rio with the murder weapon and/or other evidence while "building a case beyond reasonable doubt" is even more "Keystone Cop" than arresting the guy and making sure he's got to post enough of a bond to ensure he sticks around. And if you really believe that "there's always a connection" between victim and criminal, you've apparently never heard of "Road Rage" and "mean drunk"... I served on a jury where a drunk stabbed a man who tried to help him because he THOUGHT the guy was going to beat him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I'm sure alchohol was involved here, duh. People are more apt to be violent when they've been drinking. This is a horrible loss to both parties' family and friends. I hope that if the accused did the crime that justice will be served.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:16 PM
i worked with chris out at time light and never could have thoughtof him to be that kinda person
Posted by: Aggie Lawyer Location: Houston on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Apparently, the Constitution doesn't matter for people like Woody. That's sad to see. There is a presumption of innocent until proven guilty. I'd just hate to see a rush to judgment about Schmotzer and the real person responsible, whoever that may be, get away with this. If its Schmotzer, then so be it, but building a case that establishes proof beyond a reasonable doubt is rarely established by circumstantial evidence.
Posted by: kylee on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:32 PM
When I found out about this I couldn't believe it! He was such a great guy! I hope the man that killed him pays for this! We will miss you Rufus!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:28 PM
Let him rot in hell
Posted by: sad Location: CS on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:07 PM
My prayers go out to the family.
Posted by: to B in Kurten on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:38 PM
"WHY IN THE WORLD is there a BOND set for a murderer?" Um, ever hear of a little document called the Constitution?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Rest in Peace Rufus. My prayers go out to your family and friendss.
Posted by: whoever Location: wherever on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:59 PM
If Chris is (was) such the great guy some of the postings on here and in the newspaper website claim him to be (been)..why don't he just man up and give EVERYBODY closure to why he did or might have done this
Posted by: johnny Location: college station on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:53 PM
schmotzer ruined alot of peoples lives with this act and scared many more i hope he gets what he deserves he is a predator and should be treated just as a rabid animal rufus was a good guy never mean to me as many in this town have been he will be missed
Posted by: unknown Location: unknown on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:22 PM
typical college station activity.
Posted by: Southtex Location: tx on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Wow, I logged on to find out about my long time friend and I was reading the blogs to see if there was any further information. I am not an Aggie but I always admired the brotherhood in Aggieland. I didn’t know Aggieland stopped at the College Station or Bryan City Limits. Rufus Stephens was a great man and I was honored to call him my friend of 14 years. The news of his death brought tears of sadness but in remembering him I couldn’t help but laugh. His amazing humor and outlook on life were qualities that I will always strive for. My memories of Rufus were from years ago, yet I remember them as if it was yesterday. My many thanks to who ever call for help, the police and doctors who tried to save him, which ever town you are from.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:45 PM
I agree completely with what was said earlier. I hate to break it to you but B/CS is one. There are pros and cons of both but arguing about it here makes you look ignorant and heartless. Rufus was my friend and it REALLY makes me angry to see posts about town rivalries when we should be mourning the loss of such a great guy! Can you just look at the big picture for a minute? I understand being angry at the situation--it's truly terrible--but honor him by allowing the justice system to work. All of this speculation and placing of blame is terrible....who cares if it was over a girl or money?!?! At the end of the day it still won't bring him back! I just ask you all to think before you submit these comments. What if you were reading these comments about a friend YOU had just lost?! Have some respect! We will miss you Rufus!!!
Posted by: B Location: Kurten on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:17 PM
I agree Alex! Bars bring nothing but trouble. And WHY IN THE WORLD is there a BOND set for a murderer? They are going to let this man back on the streets again?
Posted by: friend of the victim on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:15 PM
It does NOT matter what the motive was of the man that murdered rufus, what matters is that an innocent mans life is taken away from him right when he had his life on track and graduated from Texas A&M. The man who did this deserves to pay and life with this poor classless heartless decision he made for the rest of his life.
Posted by: Friend Location: Bryan tx on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Chris has a wife and two kids. A four year old son and a new born. I feel sorry for his wife. People just don't think about what this will do to the loving wife and kids at home. I'm truly sad to see what he did. He was a better person than that. Just goes to show you never truly know somebody.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Let the Ponies Run!
Posted by: Woody Location: College Station on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Aggie Lawyer or so called lawyer????? THEY FOUND SHELL CASING AND LIVE AMMO IN HIS TRUCK THAT MATCHED THE BULLET LOGGED IN THE PASSENGER DOOR! WHAT ARE THE ODDS?????? THEY ALSO GOT HIM ON CAMERA LEAVING RIGHT AFTER THAT. Stay out of this and drop your education as a lawyer because you suck.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Drug deal gone bad??
Posted by: GG Location: b/cs on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:26 PM
He worked at tom light chevrelet and he had two kids. my sister worked with him.. this is crazy that he could have done that if you just saw him he looked normal.
Posted by: Alpha Dog Location: Out there on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:43 PM
"big boy" and "outside," thank you. I'm tired of the groups from each of those cities constant complaining about each other too. Well said.
Posted by: CSTX Location: College Station. on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:15 PM
To: Outside Location Well said. I could not have said it better myself. The fact of the matter is that someone's life was needlessly taken. I don't care if this happened in Bryan, CS, Hearne or Navasota. Someone chose to play God and take another person's life. And all you people care about is what city had the first crime in '09. I went to school in College Station, and I remember playing the "who's better" game as a teenager. Now, we are all adults and need to start acting like it. I see childish behaviors from both sides, so looking at the comments that are posted day in and day out, you make both cities look ridiculous! Let's work on the problems at hand and pray for this young man's family. Talking about starting off '09 with bad luck....His family and friends are having it right now. I pray for strength to get them thru this. God Bless this young man's family and all that knew him.
Posted by: curious Location: cs on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:49 PM
ok...so what do we know about the guy that was arrested? Is he a psycho? Is he a family man? Did he work here? Is he a student as well?? I'm just curious...the story is a little vague on this supposed killer.
Posted by: Alpha Dog Location: Really here on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Jn, "premeditation" is not an element of murder, nor of capital murder in Texas. Perhaps checking out the Texas Penal Code, rather than the latest episode of CSI will help you with your knowledge of legal issues.
Posted by: Me Location: also outside on Jan 5, 2009 at 01:15 PM
AMEN to "big boy" and "outside"!! I completely agree! The people that post these comments bickering about either Bryan or CS are idiots!!! Who cares where the crime happens the fact is they are happening and need to be stopped. You need to remember that someone has been murdered and I am sure their family couldn't care less where the shooter is from. You people are sickening!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Most be a motive. What is it?
Posted by: Aggie Lawyer Location: Houston on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:32 PM
There was no relationship between the parties and the police jumped on the first person merely because he was leaving the scene. The Keystone cops should have taken their time and built a case. We lost a member of the Aggie family--we should mourn that loss. But in this country, you are innocent until proven guilty. Rarely are there random murders---whether in B/CS or Harlem. There's always a connection, and if there isn't, you probably have the wrong person.
Posted by: Susan Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I hope KBTX keeps us informed, as they find out more information on this story. It is so sad, and so strange. Was there anyone with Chris Schmotzer and maybe they would know why he continued to stare the group down? I have done business with Chris, and it just doesn't seem possible. Many questions not answered and may never be. I am so sad for Rufus Stephens short life and his family and friends and for Chris' wife.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: CSTX on Jan 5, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Outside at 10:25am. You sound like The AM/CS basher from Bryan. Get a job. Your child like comments are a testament to your city.
Posted by: Katrina C Location: Wellborn on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:20 AM
My gosh, if this story is 100% accurate, then the man that killed him was definitely planning this at least most of the night. It makes you wonder what could have possibly made this man practically stalk his victim and then shoot him in the head. I sort of hope for the sake of humanity that they have the wrong guy, but with seeing the suspects car on camera not too long after Stephens friends last seen him alive, it doesn't look good.
Posted by: Alex Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:52 AM
There is no good reason to go to a bar.
Posted by: outside Location: looking in on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:25 AM
B/CS has an identity crisis. Notice I stated B/CS not Bryan and College Station. There is no difference in the two. Yes on a map they are different cities. But no one from outside the area and the majority from inside the area even know where one starts and the other ends. It's like two teenage girls in highschool both blonde haired ,blue eyed, 5'4" cheerleaders, with a football playing boyfriend. They are exactly the same to everyone in the world except themselves. It's like two little kids in the front yard yelling my daddy is bigger then your daddy or you have more crime than I do hahhahahah. It's a shame that you can't have an adult debate on here and possibly come up with some solution without the childish bickering back and forth. You all live in the same area people B/CS! Too all the people who come on here and make a statement about who has the most crime,please just for a second stop and think.YOU JUST ARGUED ABOUT WHO HAS MORE CRIMINALS IN AN AREA SEPERATED BY A BOUNDRY POST.
Posted by: a friend of Rufus Location: bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:56 AM
to Jn... Rufus was a great guy, and the thing that makes this even worse, is that no one who knew Rufus recognizes the picture of the guy accused of shooting him.
Posted by: Jesus on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:55 AM
we will miss u rufus
Posted by: big boy Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:47 AM
you know what I'm tired of who ever sends these e-mails about ...oh what crime in Bryan or oh crime in College ststion grow up you jerks in case you don't know or to stupid to see it's everwhere so stop writing in your wasting space ......jerks!!!!!!!
Posted by: driller on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:21 AM
had to been over money or a girl !!!!!!!
Posted by: HAVE A HEART Location: BRYAN TX on Jan 5, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Posted by: Jn Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 I TAKE IT YOU GONNA PERDICT NOW ITS GONNA RAIN MONEY HE HE YOU SO FUNNY .......MY PRAYERS GO'S OUT TO THE FAMILYS FOR THIS MAN GOT KILL .......INSTEAD OF MAKING PERDICTIONS YOU SHOULD BE SAYING STUFF LIKE PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY...OR DO YOU CARE ABOUT THINGS LIKE THAT
Posted by: Jn Location: Bryan on Jan 5, 2009 at 05:10 AM
As I read this story one word comes to mind, PREMEDITATED. Of course we dont know the full story yet, but I bet that since Schmotzer spent the evening staring @ the group this guy was with and ultimatly ended up killing him , there has to have been some history between them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2009 at 02:25 AM
Hmmmmm, and they say that crime never happens in College Station....
AP Video
KBTX Active Stories
JobSearch Recent Listings
The following list shows the 5 most recent jobs posted on the Job Board at KBTX.com. View More Jobs.
Digital TV
Backyard BBQ