On August 14, 2023, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Jeffrey McKay, a 39-year-old electrical supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, was driving his department-issued Dodge pickup truck along Dink Ashley Road near Timberlake, North Carolina. At the same time, Chad Woods, 41, his wife, and their 17-year-old son, Chad Woods Jr., were walking along the roadside after their vehicle had run out of fuel. Tragically, McKay's vehicle struck the teenager, fatally injuring him. McKay immediately stopped and called 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance.
While awaiting the arrival of first responders, an emotionally distraught Chad Woods allegedly produced a firearm and shot McKay. Subsequently, Woods and his wife left the scene in McKay's Dodge pickup, leaving behind both McKay and their deceased son. They drove to their nearby residence, where law enforcement later located the vehicle. McKay was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The Person County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, launched an investigation into the incident. Chad Woods was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and larceny of a motor vehicle. During questioning, Woods reportedly admitted to discarding the firearm used in the shooting into a nearby pond. Search efforts to recover the weapon were initiated but were temporarily halted due to extreme temperatures, with plans to resume as conditions permitted.
Family members and local residents expressed shock and grief over the events. Woods' father, Lawrence Clayborn, recounted his son's emotional state, stating, "He was just out of it, going off and stuff. He was going, 'He just killed my son. He killed my son.'" The community mourned the loss of both individuals, recognizing the profound impact on the families involved.
Jeffrey McKay was remembered as a dedicated professional and a loving family man. His obituary highlighted his caring nature, love for fishing, grilling, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their 2-year-old daughter, Adelynn. A funeral mass was held on August 26, 2023, at the Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The case against Chad Woods proceeded through the legal system, with his arraignment taking place on August 21, 2023. He remained in custody at the Person County Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. If convicted of second-degree murder in North Carolina, Woods could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
