Remains of James Wood Found, Case Being Investigated as a Homicide

DNA testing has confirmed that the remains found in Ponchatoula last year belong to 43 year old James Wood.

Developers clearing a property found the remains in September, which were in a decomposed state and sent to the state crime lab for identification.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker told WBRZ that Wood was shot, and that his missing persons case is now being investigated as a homicide.

A vacant building near where his remains were found was burnt down shortly after he was discovered. At this time it’s unclear if the two cases are related.

If you have any information regarding the case of James Wood to please contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (985) 902-2045, or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at (800) 554-5245.

Disappearance of James Wood

James Wood lives in the 40000 block of River Road in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. At the time of his disappearance, he was working on remodeling his mother’s home.

Disappearance

On June 19, 2025, James Wood was last seen at the LA 22 Mart on the corner of Highway 22 and Lee’s Landing in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Surveillance video shows him leaving the store wearing all black and heading down Lee’s Landing, away from Highway 22. James never made it back home, and hasn’t been heard from since.

His family reported him missing to law enforcement on June 25, 2025.

Investigation

James’ car, keys, and other personal belongings were found at his home in the 40000 block of River Road in Ponchatoula, where he lives alone.

Multiple searches on foot and by air have been conducted, but have turned up no further clues as to his whereabouts.