Former judge arrested in Florida after allegedly texting knife photo and saying, “I will kill both of you” — caught wearing same pants from picture
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA — A former Tennessee city judge was arrested in Panama City Beach after police say he sent a group text to his wife and her friend showing a large kitchen knife and writing, “I take that back I will kill both of you first,” an allegation that prompted his arrest on a felony written-threat charge.
Text message shows knife; suspect admitted to sending it
According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, 63-year-old John Cris Helton allegedly sent the midnight message and a photo that showed a black-and-silver kitchen knife positioned on his lap. When interviewed by police, Helton admitted to sending both the photo and the message, authorities say.
Police allege the message was sent in a group chat that included Helton, his wife and the friend. The wife told investigators she feared for her life after receiving the text and said she “did not want to be close” to her husband following the message.
Clothing in photo matched what he was wearing during interview
Investigators noted an apparent link between the image and Helton’s appearance at the police interview: officers recorded that he was wearing the same color pants and shirt he had on in the photo sent to the group, a detail cited in the complaint that connected him to the image evidence.
That detail — clothing consistency between the picture and his interview — was a key fact cited by detectives when they moved forward with the case and with charges alleging a written threat to kill or do bodily harm.
Arrest, bond and court dates
Helton was arrested on Sept. 28 in Panama City Beach and booked on the written-threat charge. He was initially held on $50,000 bond, which he posted on Sept. 30, and he was ordered not to contact his wife as part of the conditions set by authorities. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 3, according to court records.
The complaint did not include broader background about the couple’s relationship or prior incidents; prosecutors and police have not released additional context beyond the text, photo and Helton’s admission described in the filing.
Former judge’s public service and local reaction
Helton previously served as a city judge in East Ridge, Tennessee, a fact noted in reporting about the arrest and included in the public record. His arrest in Florida after the alleged threat has drawn attention because of his former judicial role and the serious nature of the alleged message.
Community members and legal observers often watch cases involving former court officials closely; local authorities say the investigation and court process will determine whether further charges or penalties follow.
As this case moves through the legal system, it underscores questions about threats, evidence captured on phones, and how quickly prosecutors will act on written threats. For updates on this case and coverage of legal and public-safety news affecting local communities, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.