WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — UPDATE: August 24, 2020 1:12 p.m.
District Attorney John Gillespie filed a motion late Monday morning asking that a hearing be set to present evidence of Joshua Cook’s “significant violations of this court’s bond conditions that were for the protection of the public” and that an order be issued following the hearing to hold Cook without bail.
Gillespie said he was notified Sunday by Cook’s attorney of Cook’s violations, including leaving his mother’s home against the house arrest order, removing his ankle monitor, putting his cell phones in water and taking $1,400.
Cook was released last November after his bond was ordered lowered by an appeals court.
It had been set at $750,000, but the appeals court ruled that was excessive, so 30th District Judge Jeff McKnight lowered it to $300,000 after the district attorney requested that be the minimum.
Cook’s defense attorney, Michael Payne then bonded Cook out of jail.
Cook wrote a letter to Judge McKnight in July of 2019, asking him to lower his bond so he could be released. Cook claimed that he wanted to pursue his GED and had a good job lined up. He also claimed, “I have a very respectable family and they will help me with my legal proceedings and also my bail schedule such as ankle monitor, curfew, and any [other] things I have to do with my bail.”
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — UPDATE: Wichita County Sheriff’s Office deputies said Joshua Cook was taken to the Wichita County Detention Center and charged with Bond Insufficient-Murder without incident after he fled from officials Sunday.
Officials held the press conference Sunday evening to ask the public to help search for Cook who removed his ankle monitor while on bond.
Once they realized this, officials launched a manhunt.
Wichita County Sheriff’s deputies said they found Joshua Christopher Ray Cook in the 5100 block of Professional Drive about 7:14 p.m. to the Forest Glen Apartment his girlfriend and her roommate.
Deputies went to the apartment with firearms out and ready.
Cook saw deputies with firearms out and ready through the window and quickly surrendered without a struggle.
On Aug. 23, Joshua Cook’s mother called his attorney to alert him that Cook had cut his ankle monitor, stolen money and threw his phone in water.
Officials state Cook’s attorney Michael Payne contacted District Attorney John Gillespie on Sunday after Cook’s mother said he had left her house, put his phones in water and stole $1,400.
Because Payne called Gillespie, officials knew about the situation before the ankle monitor even alerted them, and from there, the chase was on to find Cook.
“Because the fact he’s got a trial coming up, he decides he apparently does not want to go to go to prison or spend the rest of his life in prison or whatever the justice system gives him,” Duke said. “This individual may be armed, he’s probably dangerous, because he is on the run. That’s one of the things we don’t want somebody to try and be a hero to try and intervine to take him in.”
Cook is charged with the murder of the Wichita Falls High School senior Yajaira Garcia who was murdered on Nov. 3, 2018.
Wichita County deputies said when they arrived at the shooting scene on Hammon Ranch road on, Cook was kneeling over Garcia’s body with the gun in his hand.
After being alerted that Cook was on the run, deputies held an emergency press conference to alert the public.
“A little history about this, his bond was initially set at $750,000. My office believed that to be an appropriate bond, and we fought to keep that bond at that $750,000,” District Attorney John Gillespie said. “Unfortunately, the Fort Worth Court of Appeals found that the bond was accessive and remanded it that judge McKnight to reduce the bond,” Gillespie said. “I didn’t agree with the Fort Worth Court of Appeals’ decision, and I still don’t for this very reason.”
After a long emotional day of searching and investigating, authorities said they are relieved to get Cook off the streets and back behind bars.
When Cook was asked why he ran, he had this to say, “Drunk, irrational decision.”
Cook’s trial was set for Aug. 3, but because of the pandemic that was moved, and Judge Jeff McKnight just recently announced the new trial date of Jan. 19, 2021
We reached out to Yajaira Garcia’s family and friends and Yajaira’s mentor Gonzolo Robles had this to say:
“Today has been an emotional rollercoaster for the family and friends of Yajaira. We are relieved that the murderer has been caught. The family is extremely grateful to sheriff duke and his department for their swift and decisive actions. They are also thankful to District Attorney Mr. Gillespie fr keeping them informed and his work on behalf of Yaijara.
Garcia’s mentor Gonzalo Robles, Cafe con Leche owner
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — UPDATE: Wichita County Sheriff’s Office deputies said Joshua Cook was taken to the Wichita County Detention Center and charged with Bond Insufficient-Murder without incident.
On Sunday around 7:14 p.m., Wichita County Sheriff’s deputies said they found Joshua Christopher Ray Cook in the 5100 block of Professional Drive.
UPDATE: Wichita County Sheriff’s Office deputies said they detained Joshua Cook after fleeing from officials.
Deputy Melvin Joyner said they took Cook in custody at the Forest Glen Apartments about 7 p.m. Sunday after the WCSO held a press conference less than an hour before.
Officials held the press conference Sunday evening to ask the public to help search for Cook who removed his ankle monitor while on bond.
Cook was out on bond after charged with the murder of Wichita Falls High School senior Yajaira Garcia on Nov. 3, 2018.
Deputies said when they arrived at the shooting scene on Hammon Ranch Road on Nov. 3, Cook was kneeling over Garcia’s body with the gun in his hand.
ORIGINAL STORY: Wichita County Sheriff’s Office has launched a manhunt for accused murderer Joshua Cook.
Officials held a press conference Sunday evening to ask the public to help search for Cook who removed his ankle monitor while on bond.
Officials state Cook’s attorney Michael Payne contacted District Attorney John Gillespie on Sunday after Cook’s mother said he had left her house, put his phone in water and stole $1,400.
Officials have revoked his bond after he violated terms for the bond.
Deputy Melvin Joyner said they are asking the public for any information on Cook’s whereabouts and to contact the WCSO at 940-766-8170.
Cook was out on bond after charged with the murder of Wichita Falls High School senior Yajaira Garcia on Nov. 3, 2018.
Deputies said when they arrived at the shooting scene on Hammon Ranch Road on Nov. 3, Cook was kneeling over Garcia’s body with the gun in his hand.
Cook’s bond was lowered to $300,000 from $750,000 on July 12, 2019, after it was raised from $100,000.
Cook’s initial trial date was set for Feb. 3, 2020, but moved to Aug. 3, 2020.
***This story is breaking, so stay with Texoma’s Homepage as we gather more information.
