Fiancé of 31-year-old father of three killed by ex-con released from prison on low bail speaks out

HOUSTON – Granting a low bail to repeat offender and ex-con Thomas Briscoe changed Addison Bennefeld forever.

“I just don’t think people understand how something like this really impacts people’s lives,” she said.

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When Briscoe allegedly killed Addison’s fiancé, 31-year-old Jacob Trevino, he was released from jail on $30,000 bail.

“For two felonies, for someone who just got out of prison, it didn’t seem right to me,” said Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers.

“That was Jacob’s best friend,” Addison said. “I mean, it was like his best brother.”

Addison says Jacob tried to help Briscoe after a bullet left him in a wheelchair.

The next day they left. Police say Briscoe stabbed his friend to death in the 6000 block of Sugar Field in Katy.

Addison says he doesn’t even know why.

“All Thomas said was that I’m tired of being disrespected,” she said. “I don’t know how you could do this to someone. You’re in our house, you were in our house the night before. When you shoot someone, you can react quickly, make a quick decision. But to stab someone, I mean it’s so personal.”

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Jacob’s mother lost her youngest child.

“I know I’m grieving, but my heart hurts for them too,” Addison said.

“Perhaps if the bail had been higher, he would have stayed out, and Jacob Trevino is alive and well today,” Kahan said.

Addison blames the revolving door at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse for leaving three children fatherless.

Aria Trevino only knew her father for a couple of months.

“Okay, I’ve been released this time, let me change the situation. You don’t want to, you don’t want to change your life, why?,” Addison said.

“You have another family that is essentially bearing the brunt of what I call the bond pandemic,” Kahan said.

Briscoe is now back behind bars with bail set at $350,000.