Judge John H. Wood Jr., aged 63, was assassinated on May 29, 1979, in San Antonio, Texas. Known as "Maximum John" for his harsh sentencing of drug traffickers, Wood was shot by a high-powered rifle as he stood at the door of his automobile. The bullet struck him in the lower back and lodged near his upper chest. His assassination was the first of a federal judge in the 20th century and was described by President Jimmy Carter as "an assault on our very system of justice".
The
investigation into Wood's death revealed that the hitman, Charles Harrelson, was hired by Texas drug lord Jamiel "Jimmy" Chagra, who was awaiting trial before Judge Wood. Harrelson, the estranged father of actor Woody Harrelson, was later convicted of the murder and received two life sentences. The case was a significant moment in U.S. legal history, highlighting the vulnerability of the judiciary to criminal influence and violence.
The assassination of Judge Wood had far-reaching implications, leading to increased security measures for federal judges and a renewed focus on the protection of the judicial system. The federal building in San Antonio now bears Wood's name, serving as a reminder of the tragic event and its impact on the legal community.
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