https://youtu.

https://youtu.be/4ErQHQfwACU

Case closed? Is he going to prison? Pretty damning evidence of pre meditated intent.

Such evidence, if authentic, admitted, and linked to the charged conduct, can be highly relevant to mens rea. It could support an inference of premeditation or purposeful intent to kill (or at least to use deadly force), rather than a purely spontaneous reaction or self-defense claim. Prosecutors often use prior statements, writings, or communications to show the defendant’s state of mind around the time of the offense. In this case, the texts were reportedly not presented to the original jury due to a mutual “gentleman’s agreement” limiting certain character and background evidence; they surfaced later in post-conviction proceedings. Courts still require the mental state to concur with the act, evaluate the evidence under rules of relevance and prejudice, and consider defenses. The ultimate determination of whether the evidence proves the required mens rea (and any premeditation element) is for the fact-finder (jury or judge) based on the full record and applicable law in that jurisdiction (here, Texas).
In short, mens rea is the core concept of criminal intent; premeditation is one of its strongest forms; and evidence like the described texts can directly factor into proving (or contesting) that intent.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​