On Friday, January 17, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., a 911 call to the Bell County Communications Center reported a stabbing in the 3300 block of Briana Drive, just west of Belton city limits. Emergency medical services and law enforcement officers responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, deputies and officers from the Belton Police Department found 32-year-old Justin Charles Thomas of Killeen lying in the roadway with a stab wound. Despite resuscitation efforts by the Sparta Valley Fire Department and Belton Emergency Medical Services, Thomas succumbed to his injuries. Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey pronounced him deceased at the scene and ordered an autopsy at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Deputies and officers located and detained a suspect at the scene. Following a preliminary investigation and suspect interview, Bell County Sheriff’s investigators determined probable cause to make an arrest for Murder. The suspect was transported to the Bell County Jail, and the case is under review by the Bell County District Attorney's Office. The suspect’s identity will be released upon completion of the review.
Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Coordinator, Jill McAfee, is providing support to Thomas’s family. The Sheriff’s Office extended its thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
This case remains under active investigation, and further details will be released as they become available.
UPDATE: Upon review of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation into the murder of Justin Charles Thomas, the Bell County District Attorney’s Office has accepted the criminal charge for Murder.
Jody Christopher Cool, 42-year-old male from Belton, has been in the custody of the Bell County Jail, where Investigators served the arrest warrant issued by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey. Judge Wilkey has magistrate Jody Christopher Cool and set his bond at one million dollars ($1,000,000.) Jody Christopher Cool remains in the custody of the Bell County Jail.
The family of Justin Charles Thomas has been notified by Bell County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services. Justin’s family remains in the Sheriff’s Office thoughts and prayers.
