Texas Woman Arrested for Husband's Murder 22 Years After Christmas Shooting

Cold Case Breakthrough on Anniversary

On the exact 22nd anniversary of her husband's murder, Jody Johnston Humphrey was arrested Monday and charged with capital murder in connection to the 2003 Christmas cold case involving Jerry Don Humphrey . The timing of the arrest was no coincidence— "Making an arrest on the 22nd anniversary of this crime serves as a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date," Lt. Luciano Lopez said .

Jerry Don Humphrey, who ran a tow truck and repo operation in Stafford, Texas, was shot to death as he slept in his bed on December 22, 2003 . The 40-year-old lived with his wife and their two young daughters, and was found dead by his father-in-law, who lived across the street and had gone to wake him up . He was found with three gunshot wounds to the back of his head .

An autopsy confirmed the cause of death was gunshot wounds, and there were no signs of forced entry and nothing appeared to be missing from the home . The case quickly went cold, becoming the first murder reported by the Stafford Police Department in three years .

Complex Web of Suspects and Motives

The investigation revealed a troubled marriage with multiple potential motives. Jerry and his wife, Jody, had a troubled marriage to the point that Jody had even accused Jerry of abuse, though she never filed a police report . Humphrey had allegedly made a comment to a family member that he was "worth more dead than alive" and that "if something happens to me" Jody would be well-off .

The "Cold Justice" team's investigation revealed that Jody was "having affairs with two other men" . Financial irregularities also emerged as a potential motive when Humphrey's sister recalled him telling her that "a significant amount of money was missing" from the cash-based towing business, where Jan and Jody handled the company books .

The case became even more complex when in 2020, Angel Amescua Jr., a former employee of Humphrey, was arrested for Humphrey's murder . Amescua was allegedly fired by Humphrey after accusations surfaced that he had inappropriate contact with an underage teen girl .

Television Investigation Sparks Progress

The breakthrough came after the case was featured on the television show "Cold Justice." Veteran prosecutor Kelly Siegler and investigator Abbey Abbondandolo worked alongside Stafford police to look into Humphrey's brutal slaying . Although Jody was at work with her daughters when Humphrey was shot, Siegler reasoned that she could have gotten someone to help her commit the crime .

The investigation found that Humphrey kept firearms, including a .38-caliber, in his truck, but no guns were found in the vehicle after his death. It's possible Humphrey was killed by his own gun by someone who knew him and his unusual sleeping patterns .

This latest arrest comes after an extensive review of evidence and a collaborative effort from the Stafford police and the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office . The arrest demonstrates how cold cases can remain viable for decades, especially when new investigative techniques and fresh perspectives are applied to old evidence.

Justice Delayed But Not Denied

Currently, Jody is housed at the Fort Bend County Jail, awaiting further proceedings, while details regarding her alleged involvement in her husband's death remain undisclosed to the public . Officials said the investigation is still pending, and Jody is the second person arrested in this case .

For Jerry Humphrey's family, particularly his sister Rita who has spent years advocating for justice, this arrest brings hope for closure. As Rita posted on Facebook, "My brother was killed in his home dec 22, 2003... Needless to say Christmas has not been the same!"

This case highlights how modern investigative techniques, combined with television exposure and persistent family advocacy, can breathe new life into decades-old murders. As technology advances and witnesses become more willing to speak over time, even the coldest cases can eventually see justice served, proving that some crimes are never truly forgotten.