BELTON, Texas – A Belton man has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday night near the city limits of Belton. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 42-year-old Jody Christopher Cool, who is currently being held in the Bell County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The incident took place on January 17, 2025, around 9:07 p.m. when Bell County Communications received a 911 call reporting a stabbing in the 3300 block of Briana Drive, located west of Belton’s city limits. Upon arrival, authorities found 32-year-old Justin Charles Thomas of Killeen lying in the roadway with a stab wound. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace. An autopsy has been ordered and will be conducted at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Deputies from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Belton Police Department quickly located the suspect, Jody Cool, at the scene and detained him. Following a preliminary investigation and an interview with the suspect, investigators determined there was probable cause to arrest Cool for murder.
The Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community related to the incident. The family of the victim, Justin Thomas, has been notified of his death, and the Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences, offering thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
The investigation into the stabbing is still ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further details will be released as they become available.
