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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.