Overview of MURDERED: Brittany McGlone
This Crime Junkie episode investigates the 2007 murder of 19-year-old Brittany McGlone in Winsboro, Texas, a small town where everyone seemed to know everyone — and maybe that’s exactly why the case stayed murky for so long. Brittany was found brutally beaten to death in her boyfriend’s bed, but early suspects all appeared to have alibis. Over time, the investigation shifted toward Chad Carr, a man with a violent history and a troubling pattern of behavior. Even after his 2022 arrest for capital murder, a grand jury returned a no bill, leaving the case unresolved and Brittany’s family still searching for justice.
What Happened to Brittany McGlone?
Discovery of the crime
- On May 4, 2007, Brittany’s mother, Patricia, got a call from Brittany’s boyfriend, Jeff Stogner, saying he couldn’t reach her.
- Brittany had worked an overnight shift and had gone to Jeff’s house to rest before he left to pick up his grandmother.
- When Jeff returned, he found Brittany naked, dead, and severely beaten in his bed.
Scene details
- Brittany had been struck repeatedly with a blunt object, likely something like a tire iron or crowbar.
- Her clothes were on the floor, but her underwear was missing.
- Investigators also found signs that the killer had showered in the house, suggesting someone comfortable enough to clean up after the murder.
Early Suspects and Dead Ends
Jeff Stogner and his family
- Jeff, his mother, and his stepfather were quickly looked at because Brittany had spent the night at their home unusually that day.
- Their timeline was checked against surveillance and appeared to hold up.
- Jeff and his stepfather both passed polygraphs, and investigators found no clear evidence tying them to the murder.
Brittany’s past sexual partner
- Police also questioned a man Brittany had reportedly slept with about a month earlier.
- He cooperated fully and was effectively cleared.
A weed dealer named Cody
- Jeff mentioned that he had arranged to leave cash under a garden gnome for his weed supplier, Cody.
- Cody admitted he sold to Jeff but denied coming by that day.
- He too passed a polygraph, and investigators found no solid evidence connecting him to the murder.
The Family Secret That Changed the Investigation
Brittany’s grandfather, James McGlone
- Brittany’s sister Hope later revealed that Brittany had confided in her about long-term sexual abuse by their adopted grandfather, James McGlone.
- Brittany had also told other family members, and her grandfather had reportedly been showing up at her workplace and behaving inappropriately.
- This gave investigators a powerful motive: Brittany may have been preparing to expose him.
Why he was ruled out
- Despite the disturbing allegations, James was at work during the time of the murder.
- Investigators concluded he could not have been the killer.
The Focus Turns to Chad Carr
Who he was
- Chad Carr was dating Jeff’s younger sister, Velva.
- He wasn’t an obvious suspect at first because he seemed to have little direct connection to Brittany.
Why he became suspicious
- Chad gave investigators a highly detailed timeline of his day, which raised concerns that he was trying to build an alibi preemptively.
- His timeline had inconsistencies:
- He claimed he arrived early to an eye appointment, but staff said he was actually late.
- He said he changed clothes because of the weather, but that explanation didn’t make much sense given the mild conditions.
- There was a small window of time before his appointment when he could have committed the murder and cleaned up.
Failed polygraph and circumstantial evidence
- Chad failed a polygraph.
- Velva later told police that Chad had smelled like her body wash on the afternoon Brittany was killed, suggesting he may have showered at the crime scene.
- She also said he seemed nervous and admitted he had complained that Brittany was allowed to stay overnight at Jeff’s house while he was not.
Chad Carr’s Violent History
Prior assault on Debbie
- The episode reveals a prior 2001 assault involving a woman named Debbie.
- Chad allegedly attacked her with a jack handle, then drove her to the hospital after she was injured.
- Sources later suggested Chad and Debbie may have been having an affair and that she was about to tell his wife.
Later convictions
- Chad later served prison time for sexually assaulting his ex-wife.
- Investigators also reviewed allegations of animal cruelty in his past.
- This history reinforced the idea that Brittany’s murder may have fit a broader pattern of violence.
Evidence Recovered and the Unresolved Case
Search of Chad’s residence
- Police searched the home where Chad had been staying and seized:
- Blood-stained white shorts
- A white T-shirt with possible blood
- A gray ski mask
- Two pairs of women’s underwear
- One pair matched Brittany’s size, but the evidence had apparently been washed, so it did not yield a definitive forensic link.
DNA questions
- Investigators said some DNA recovered from the shower did not belong to anyone living in the house.
- They were careful not to reveal too much, suggesting there may still be evidence under review.
Arrest and grand jury outcome
- In 2022, Chad Carr was arrested for capital murder.
- He reportedly changed his story and began implying he had been inside the house that day.
- But a grand jury returned a no bill, so the case did not go to trial.
Key Takeaways
What seems most likely
- Brittany was likely targeted by someone who knew she was alone and knew the house layout.
- Chad Carr emerged as the strongest suspect because of:
- His violent history
- His inconsistent timeline
- The shower evidence
- His failure on a polygraph
- Velva’s statement about his behavior
What remains unresolved
- No one has been convicted of Brittany McGlone’s murder.
- The physical evidence has not produced a courtroom-ready case.
- Investigators still believe there may be more evidence to uncover.
Call to Action
How to help
- If you know anything about Brittany McGlone’s murder, contact:
- Wood County Crime Stoppers: 903-760-1008
- Wood County Sheriff’s Office: 903-763-2201
- Tips can be made anonymously.
Why this case still matters
- Brittany’s family has spent years waiting for answers.
- The episode emphasizes that while investigators can revisit timelines and evidence, they cannot undo the loss — only keep pushing for the truth.