On July 14, 2019, 23-year-old Brian K. Jones-Woodruff Jr., a Black male, was fatally shot in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant located near Interstate 70 and U.S. 40 Highway in Independence, Missouri. The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. following a dispute involving a bicycle theft that did not directly involve Jones-Woodruff. According to investigators, a female witness had been arguing with another man, who she claimed had threatened her with a gun over the stolen bike.
Frightened by the confrontation, the woman retreated to a nearby Walmart and contacted an acquaintance for assistance.
Shortly after the call, a white Dodge Journey arrived at the scene occupied by 34-year-old Matthew A. Woodward and 32-year-old Erica J. Williams. The female witness met with the couple and pointed out the man who had allegedly threatened her. Woodward reportedly asked for confirmation on the target's identity, specifically asking if it was the individual wearing red. Once the target was confirmed, shots were fired from the vehicle. Jones-Woodruff, who was standing near the intended target as a bystander, was struck by the gunfire and killed. The intended target was also wounded in the attack but survived.
Detectives utilized surveillance footage and witness statements to identify the vehicle and the suspects. Further investigation revealed that two days after the homicide, Williams had filed a police report falsely claiming her white Dodge Journey had been stolen. Police recovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun that Williams had purchased months prior, and ballistic testing matched the weapon to shell casings discovered at the crime scene.
On August 1, 2019, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against both suspects. Matthew A. Woodward and Erica J. Williams were each charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Jones-Woodruff's death. Woodward faced additional charges of first-degree assault and a second count of armed criminal action related to the shooting of the surviving victim. Prosecutors requested a $250,000 bond for Woodward and a $200,000 bond for Williams.
