Toddie Woods’ freedom remained in limbo following a cancelled bond hearing on Monday.
Woods, 26, is the main suspect in the Douglas Heights shooting, and is facing a first-degree murder charge as a result. Woods made bond and has been out on house arrest for a few months. However, Woods and his wife were both arrested and charged with domestic assault on Jan. 2.
A hearing in Criminal Court Judge Don Poole’s courtroom to decide whether capias needed to be executed or the bond be increased was scheduled for last week. However, the defense asked for the preliminary hearing in General Sessions court to take place first, since that was the basis for revoking or increasing Woods’ bond. On Friday, the state asked to delay the hearing in General Sessions Court, citing the need for more time to review the case.
“The prosecutor downstairs believed there was something else they needed to take a look at, which candidly didn’t have anything to do with this case,” defense attorney Dan Ripper said/ "The case was pushed downstairs to the 24th, and that needs to get resolved. Because the resolution of that case will decide the resolution of this case.”
After hearing this, Judge Poole decided the best course of action was to put the scheduled bond hearing on hold until the matter in General Sessions Court could be resolved. After taking a quick look at his calendar, Judge Poole decided upon a date later in the month.
“Mr. Woods is on a very serious case and is on a very high bond,” said Judge Poole, “but we agreed to put it today because of what was going to happen on Friday. Based upon what happened, it looks like we’re going to be in the same circumstances as before, so we will put this on the 27th.”
There are two other co-defendants in the case, with one being his brother Omerriaeal Woods and the other being their friend Haycinth Taylor. Omerrieal Woods was also scheduled to have his bond hearing on Monday, but his attorney asked for the date to be moved to match his brother’s. The request was made by attorney Jonathan Wilson.
The other suspect, Taylor, saw his attorney withdraw from the case. Defense attorney Robin Flores said he could no longer work on the case, citing interference from those close to Taylor making it difficult to do his job.
“I should be able to talk to my client without interference from other people,” said attorney Flores. After gently reminding Taylor to allow his next attorney to do his job, Judge Poole allowed attorney Flores to remove himself from the case, and said he would appoint new counsel.