Volney Woods, aged 62, has been found guilty of murder in a case revolving around a disputed vacant lot. Woods, who lived adjacent to the lot in question, believed it was his property despite multiple sales to new owners between 2002 and 2021.
The conflict escalated when the latest lot owner hired Emily Antram to lay concrete on the property. On the day of the incident, Woods confronted Antram and three others working on the lot, fatally shooting Antram four times in the back. Woods wore a black ski mask during the attack, making his identification challenging, but investigators recovered a rust-damaged revolver from a nearby puddle.
During his arrest and subsequent interview, Woods made incriminating remarks related to the ongoing land disputes and the nature of the weapon used in the crime. Despite inconclusive forensic evidence linking the revolver to the scene, a box of .38 caliber ammunition found in Woods' residence proved crucial in the prosecution's case.
Following a thorough review of evidence, including Woods' recorded statements during the interview, the jury deliberated and ultimately convicted him of murder. On June 4, 2024, Woods was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Claudia Mena-Marroquin, Jesse Cantu, Adam Seiffert, and Bailey Baker, with investigative support from the Dallas Police Department, notably Investigators Scott Sayers and Garrick Whaley. Melinda Shelton served as the victim advocate throughout the trial.
