Falls County jury sentences Shook to life in prison

With lessened COVID restrictions, jury trials have resumed in Falls County.  

On June 1, 2021, a jury was empaneled to consider the criminal case styled the State of Texas vs. Jonathan Russell Shook.  

Shook, 52, had been indicted by a grand jury for the offense of possession of methamphetamine in an amount of more than one gram but less than four grams.  

County/District Attorney Jody Gilliam presented the case against Shook.

The evidence presented showed law enforcement officers became involved in what was reported as an abduction of a female being driven through Falls County.  

Other agencies responding to assist included Bruceville-Eddy, Rosebud, Lott and Lorena.  

The victim was located by a Bruceville-Eddy Officer on Highway 7 near the county line who reported she had gotten away from her abductor, Shook.  

Deputy Ryan Bobo arrived and spoke with the victim who reported Shook had been driving her vehicle, threatening her, and refusing to stop so she could get out of the vehicle.  

She explained Shook finally stopped in a secluded area near the Brazos River bridge on Highway 7, got out of her vehicle, and she was able to jump in the driver’s seat and get away.  

Bobo relayed that information over the police radio, including a description of the clothing Shook was wearing.

Officer Jared Bonner and Chief Mike Hamilton quickly responded to the area.  Bonner spotted Shook, detained him and reported he had him in custody. Hamilton and Bobo also responded to the area.  

Bonner searched the area where he found Shook sitting and located a plastic container which contained 3.04 grams of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine pipe and rolling papers.  

The victim also testified Shook had that container with him when he was in her vehicle.  The jury deliberated an hour before returning a verdict finding Shook guilty of being in possession of the methamphetamine.  

Shook had elected that the jury assess punishment.  

Gilliam presented evidence showing Shook had six prior felony convictions for offenses such as aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, possession of methamphetamine, theft from a graveyard, burglary of a building, criminal mischief and theft of property.  

Gilliam also presented prior misdemeanor convictions for assault causing bodily injury to a family member and driving while intoxicated.

Shook testified during the punishment hearing.  

On cross-examination, Gilliam elicited testimony from Shook showing his propensity for violence.

The charge against Shook was a third degree felony with a range of punishment of 2 to 10 years.  

Gilliam had enhanced the punishment range with the prior felony convictions which made the range of punishment 25 to 99 years or life and up to a $10,000.00 fine.  

The jury deliberated approximately an hour before returning punishment.  

Shook was sentenced to life in prison with a $10,000 fine.