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Texas Wife Charged With Capital Murder in 2003 Killing, Accused of Murder-for-Hire

The arrest came on the case’s 22nd anniversary after detectives reexamined evidence with prosecutors.

Overview

  • Jody Johnston, 51, was arrested on Dec. 22 and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on a capital murder charge in the death of her husband, Jerry Don Humphrey.
  • A probable cause affidavit alleges she arranged the killing for payment and stood to collect nearly $400,000 from life insurance policies.
  • Humphrey, 40, was found in his bedroom with three gunshot wounds to the head, with no signs of forced entry or theft, according to police.
  • Former employee Angel Amescua Jr. was arrested in 2020, has pleaded not guilty, and is scheduled for trial on April 7, 2026.
  • Johnston’s bond was set at $750,000 and a Feb. 2, 2026 court appearance is listed, while investigators continue to seek tips through Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers with a reward of up to $5,000.