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Trial underway for Post man accused of murdering cousin in 2023
By CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
POST, Texas (KCBD) - Testimony is underway in a murder trial in Post, where prosecutors say a man shot his cousin in the face. Jody Hernandez is accused of murdering Arthur Zapata Sr. in June 2023. Multiple witnesses said the cousins were fishing together at a creek a few miles east of Southland ...
Key takeaway She then called 911, where she told dispatch her Hernandez and her father had gotten into an argument before Hernandez shot him.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The trial of Jody Hernandez has significant implications for the community of Post, where the alleged murder took place. The fact that the incident occurred at a creek just east of Southland, a location where the victim regularly fished, raises concerns about public safety in rural areas. As the trial progresses, residents of Post and surrounding areas will be watching closely to see how the justice system handles this case. The potential sentence of up to life in prison for Hernandez, if convicted, underscores the severity of the crime and the need for a thorough investigation and fair trial. The community will also be looking for answers about what led to the argument between the cousins and how such a tragic event could have occurred in a typically peaceful setting. The outcome of this trial will have a lasting impact on the families involved and the community at large.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? POST, Texas (KCBD) - Testimony is underway in a murder trial in Post, where prosecutors say a man shot his cousin in the face. Jody Hernandez is accused of murdering Arthur Zapata Sr. in June 2023. Multiple witnesses said the cousins were fishing together at a creek a few miles east of Southland ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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