Arrest Made in 22-Year-Old Christmas Cold Case Capital Murder in Stafford

More than two decades after a Christmas Day homicide, investigators have made an arrest in a long-running cold case.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Stafford Police Department executed an arrest warrant for Jody Johnston Humphrey on a charge of Capital Murder. The arrest comes exactly 22 years after the December 22, 2003 killing of her husband, Jerry Don Humphrey.

According to authorities, the case was reopened and reexamined through extensive evidence review and continued investigative work by the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office in coordination with Stafford Police detectives. That renewed effort ultimately led to the issuance of the capital murder warrant.

Johnston Humphrey was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail. Due to the ongoing investigation and pending court proceedings, officials say no additional details are being released at this time.

“Making an arrest on the 22nd anniversary of this crime serves as a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date,” said Lt. Luciano Lopez.

Investigators continue to encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 281-342-8477, online, or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Information leading to an arrest and formal charges may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

The Stafford Police Department also thanked the Needville ISD Police Department for their assistance in the arrest operation.