Aggravated assault charges leads to second degree murder

On July 14, 2017, the Gulfport Police Department arrested 31-year-old James Christopher Woodard, homeless, on the charge of Aggravated Assault.
The arrest was the result of a patrol response, at 12:18 p.m., to a homeless camp in the area of 30th Avenue and 28th Street for a report of an assault. Upon arrival officers discovered the victim suffering from serious injuries. Gulfport Fire and AMR were dispatched to the scene and the victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Woodard was located a short time later in the area by Harrison County K-9 and officers from the Gulfport Police Department. The victim is in serious
condition at an area hospital.
On July 23, 2017 the Gulfport Police Department Detective Division received
information that the victim died as a result of his injuries. Based on the information received, the charge was amended to Second Degree Murder.
On July 25, 2017 Gulfport Police Department detectives traveled to the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility where Woodard was served with an arrest warrant on the charge of Second Degree Murder. His bond was set at $1,000,000.00 by Harrison County Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner.
This investigation is ongoing. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending
notification of the next of kin by Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove.