The defendant is testifying in the trial of a Brownsboro man accused of killing his ex-wife's boyfriend

ATHENS, Texas (KLTV) – The trial of a Brownsboro man charged in the 2023 shooting death of his ex-wife's boyfriend continued Thursday.

Cody Jones is on trial for the death of 27-year-old Justin Jordan, who was found shot to death on Jones' ex-wife's property on April 28 last year. Jones' trial began Tuesday at the Henderson County Courthouse. Evidence from the crime scene was recovered, including the 911 call from Jones' ex-wife. On Thursday, Jones testified in his defense.

In the defense's opening arguments Thursday, she reiterated that Jones acted in self-defense when Jordan was killed. They claim Jones felt threatened by the man and believed he had a gun. Previous court hearings revealed that eight shots were fired, four of which hit Jordan.

An officer who arrested Jordan in an earlier incident testified that he found Jordan in possession of marijuana and other drugs, including steroids. He noted that steroids can cause anger and irritation.

Jones then testified on his own behalf and explained to the court how the incident occurred. Jones said he acted out of fear and claimed Jordan abused Jones' ex-wife.

Jones said he did not expect to see Jordan at his ex-wife's house that day and asked him to leave the property. Jordan pushed open the door of his car, Jones said, punched Jones and pushed him back. Jones said Jordan then approached him threateningly before Jones fired his gun. Jones also noted that he admitted to shooting Jordan in the 911 call and did not decline to answer questions from law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene.

Under cross-examination, Jones said he followed his ex-wife and Jordan to several locations before the shooting, prompting a 911 call out of concern about what he might do. The state said a witness heard Jones say he would kill Jordan if he found him in the house.

The state and defense called additional witnesses before the lunch break to substantiate and refute earlier allegations. Court was scheduled to return at 2 p.m

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