Crime
Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Searching for Escaped Inmate Justin Scott Woodruff Who Walked Away from Work Detail
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an escaped inmate who walked away from a work detail on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m., when 39-year-old Justin Scott Woodruff — an inmate worker — left his assigned work area and failed to return.
Woodruff is described as a white male with multiple tattoos, including a large tattoo on his neck reading “Joker.” He was in custody for Violation of Probation at the time of his escape.
Sheriff Dix stated that investigators believe Woodruff was picked up by another individual shortly after leaving the work site. “At this time we are still gathering information, but we believe that he was picked up by another party after he left,” the sheriff said.
He went on to note the rarity of such incidents in the county: “This is the first time in over 15 years that this has happened to us. When he is caught, it will be a memorable experience for him, whoever picked him up, and whoever he is with. I hope his time on the run will be worth it for him and them.”
Authorities are urging anyone who sees Justin Scott Woodruff or has information regarding his whereabouts to call 911 immediately.
The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and is coordinating with surrounding law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the escapee.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hundreds of students and community members are mourning the death of Erik Spencer, who was fatally shot at a shopping center in Jefferson City on November 1.
Authorities have confirmed Spencer’s death but have not yet released details regarding the individual responsible for the shooting.
Multiple witness accounts suggest the shooter may have been a white male, reportedly described by some as a possible off-duty police officer.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred as Erik and his girlfriend were leaving a store when a verbal argument broke out between them.
The male individual allegedly intervened, despite being told that the situation was under control.
Moments later, witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, striking Erik.
Friends and witnesses at the scene stated that Erik did not pose any threat to the shooter and that the confrontation escalated unnecessarily.
Law enforcement agencies have not confirmed the shooter’s identity, whether he is affiliated with law enforcement, or if he has been detained or turned himself in.
The Jefferson City Police Department and local investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community members have since gathered for vigils and memorials to honor Erik’s memory as the investigation remains active and ongoing.