James Shirley Wood, 39, was a Conservation Officer with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and manager of Lake Ross Barnett. On October 21, 1984, after issuing a citation earlier that day, he was shot and killed at his home in Mize, Mississippi. The assailant returned to Wood’s house around 10:00 PM; when Wood answered the door the man fired a 12-gauge shotgun, killing him.

Law enforcement quickly apprehended the man alleged to have carried out the shooting. The investigation confirmed the motive and events described. The killer was later sentenced to 20 years in prison. That same night Corporal James Bounds of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, who found Wood’s body and was a friend of his, suffered a fatal heart attack. Wood had served six years with the department and was survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents, two sisters, and a brother.

Did anyone in Mize or the surrounding area have contact with Officer Wood in the days before October 21, 1984?