Officer James Woods was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Missouri State Penitentiary. As the prisoners were released for breakfast at 6:30 am word came down that one inmate would remain in his cell due to problems he had caused in the dining room. Officer Woods directed the inmate to return to his cell but he refused. Officer Woods took the prisoner by the arm to lead him back to his cell but the prisoner kicked Officer Woods, drew a knife and began slashing him across the neck, in the chest and the side. Officer Woods fired his revolver several times drawing help. Two inmates attempted to help and were cut as well. The prisoner ran in and out of the cells continuing the chase until the guards cornered him. The inmate was eventually shot and killed when he advanced on the officers. Officer Woods was dead by the time the prison physiclan arrived.

Officer Woods had served with the Missouri Department of Corrections for two months and was the former police chief of Macon, Missouri. He was survived by his wife, Anabel, and four sons, Edward, Arthur, Ray, and Harvey. Interred: Oakwood Cemetery.