Teen Murdered in Texas Home
A 16-year-old girl, Katelynn Stone, was shot dead in a bedroom at a home on Kolbs Corner Road in Beaumont, Texas, in March 2022. Authorities uncovered a plot fueled by secrecy and fear of public scandal after Stone became pregnant with her boyfriend’s child.
The Deadly Love Triangle
Stone lived with 21-year-old Cody Lee Arnold, with whom she shared a romantic relationship. Prosecutors revealed that Stone recently learned of her pregnancy, a revelation Arnold viewed as a threat to his reputation and potential legal repercussions due to her age.
Arnold was also involved romantically with 25-year-old Chelsea Shipp. Investigators state this volatile dynamic led to the fatal confrontation.
Motive and Events Leading to Killing
Prosecutor Jimmy Hamm outlined the motive during the trial, stating in opening arguments, “They were seen together. They were talking about what they were going to do.” He added, “They were smoking meth that entire weekend to build up the courage to kill that girl.”
Arnold told detectives he and Shipp used methamphetamine before the incident. He claimed he left the room where Stone slept, returned to find Shipp standing over her with a gun, and watched as Shipp fired the fatal shot. Arnold then placed a bag over Stone’s head because he “did not want to look at it” and failed to report the crime.
Stone’s body remained in the home from around 2 p.m. Saturday until 10 p.m. Sunday, when Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered it.
Convictions and Sentences
Shipp accepted a plea deal and received a 40-year prison sentence for the murder. A Jefferson County jury convicted Arnold of murder and related charges, sentencing him to 34 years in prison.
Prosecutors emphasized the killing aimed to shield Arnold from sex offender status and fallout from his relationship with a minor.
