GROVETON — A Trinity man will spend his life in prison after being convicted of capital murder by a Trinity County jury on Wednesday.
Jacob Patrick Chrones, 37, was arrested in September 2022 for the kidnapping and murder of Karen Waters, his mother, and the brutal killing of her husband, Clayton Waters. He also was convicted on a charge of tampering with evidence.
Chrones’ wife, Adeline Esmerelda Aparicio-Rodriguez, 38, pleaded guilty to murder for her role in the crimes. In exchange for her cooperation and testimony, she was sentenced to 40 years in prison and will face deportation upon completion of her sentence.
District Judge K. Michael Mayes sentenced Chrones to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said, “Our hearts remain with the Waters family and all those who loved them. No sentence can undo their loss, but accountability has been secured.
“While nothing can erase the pain caused by these crimes, today’s outcome ensures that those responsible have been held fully accountable and that Jacob Patrick Chrones will never again be a threat to our community,” Wallace said. “The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our residents and standing with victims and their families in the pursuit of justice.”
District Attorney Bennie Schiro thanked the people involved with the case, including the Sheriff’s Office, his co-workers, the jurors, and the Texas Rangers.
“I especially want to thank the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office,” Schiro said. “Their investigation, most especially Sheriff Wallace and Chief Deputy Jeremy Carroll, made the jobs of the jurors and myself much easier. This was one of the most thoroughly investigated cases I have handled during my time here.”
Reports indicated Waters was bound and murdered at Chrones’ residence, and the husband was killed shortly after. The victims were then immolated in a firepit near the residence.
“I want to publicly thank Trinity County District Attorney Bennie Schiro and his prosecution team for their professionalism, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of justice in a complex and emotionally difficult case,” Wallace said. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the jury whose service required careful consideration of disturbing evidence and testimony. Their verdict reflects courage, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.”
Wallace said that special recognition is due to Chief Deputy Carroll, who served as the lead investigator.
“His relentless attention to detail and commitment to uncovering the truth were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” he said. “I also thank Sgt. Alissa Cockrell, Sgt. Harrelson, and all assisting agencies, including the Texas Rangers, Sam Houston State University Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice K9 Team, and Texas Game Wardens K9 Team.”
