I cannot imagine the pain of losing a loved one and waiting over three decades for answers, only to still be left with only questions. Sadly, that is what Cody Rogers’s family has faced for over 30 years.
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The Murder Of Cody Rogers Near Lubbock
30 years ago, on July 20, 1996, the body of Cody Rogers was found inside a mobile home south of Anton, Texas. Anton is about 25 miles northwest of Lubbock. It was oddly cool for a July day in West Texas, with temperatures only reaching 65 degrees under breezy, partly cloudy skies. Cody had been shot in the head.
The photo attached to an old Lubbock Avalanche Journal article shows the mobile home as the standard, stereotypical affair, green and white, a rectangular building that could easily be cleared of its skirting and moved elsewhere. The article also has a fuzzy, low-res photo of a smiling, candid Cody, with an uber early-90s mullet and ‘stache that would pass again as cool in 2026.
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The Involvement of Michael Lance Barker
The mobile home belonged to Michael Lance Barker (19 at the time), Cody’s friend who had reported him missing less than 24 hours after the two had an argument, according to Michael. The pair had been drinking, and Cody exited a vehicle they had been travelling in near Wolfforth. Michael would call the police again when he found Cody’s body inside his home. Michael was questioned in Cody’s death, but was released without being charged.
What Would It Take To Solve Cody Rogers’ Case?
Apparently, there is a “mountain” of circumstantial evidence, but nothing concrete enough to make any charges stick. It appears what investigators really need is to find the rifle used in the murder, or for any witnesses or anyone with information on the crime to come forward. Family members of Cody have even reached out to the Vidocq Society for help, but the case remains unsolved.
Why This Case Still Matters After 30 Years
Murder has no statute of limitations, and this family deserves justice for their loved one and for the pain they’ve endured for so long. Someone knows something, whether they’ve been hiding a gun in a basement for years or they overheard talk of the crime, etc. I truly hope that the right person will take a new look at this cold case and will solve a murder that should have been resolved decades ago.
Executed Death Row Inmates Convicted In Lubbock County Part 1
These men were convicted of capital crimes by juries in Lubbock County and paid the ultimate price. While some crimes happened in Lubbock, others were committed elsewhere and tried in here, some because they were high-profile cases, like Samuel Hawkins.
Gallery Credit: Renee Raven