On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Urban Woman Magazine reported that former Tennessee Judge John Cris Helton, 63, was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill his wife and her friend. The incident, which occurred on September 28, involved Helton sending a threatening message and a photograph of a kitchen knife to a group chat shared with the two women.
According to reports, Helton’s message ominously stated, “I will kill both of you first.” The chilling message, accompanied by the image of a black and silver kitchen knife, prompted his wife to contact authorities, fearing for her safety.
Helton was subsequently arrested at his residence in Panama City Beach, Florida, and charged with making a written threat to kill or inflict bodily harm. He was booked on a $50,000 bond, which he promptly posted. Upon his release, a judge mandated that Helton have no contact with his wife until his arraignment, scheduled for November 3.
During a post-Miranda interview, Helton reportedly confessed to sending the threatening message and the photograph. Further investigation by the police revealed that the pants Helton was wearing during the interview matched those visible in the knife photograph, strengthening the evidence against him.
Helton’s arrest has brought renewed scrutiny to his past conduct within the legal profession. He had previously been censured twice by the Tennessee Supreme Court for failing to uphold professional standards, indicating a pattern of misconduct. In 2021, Helton resigned from his position as judge, citing health concerns. However, his troubles continued in 2024 when he faced a five-year suspension from practicing law due to unpaid federal taxes totaling $400,000.
This case highlights the potential dangers present in intimate relationships, particularly when power imbalances and control issues are involved. Authorities urge individuals to be aware of the warning signs of domestic violence and to seek assistance if needed.
Resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, accessible at 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org, and a text line where individuals can text “START” to 88788, are available to provide support and guidance.
Source: Urban Woman Magazine
