Two years later, investigation into tragic murder turns cold

Published 10:15 pm Saturday, February 15, 2014

Just two years ago, Katrina Morgan was enjoying her sister’s laughter, smile, comedic character and vibrant personality.

On Feb. 17, 2012, those joyful moments became memories when her sister, Bridget Woods, was shot while sleeping at her home on Marie Foster Street that early Friday morning. The two-year anniversary of Woods’ death is quickly approaching, and no one has been charged with her murder.

“It’s hard on the family to know that somebody out there knows something and they’re not saying it, because they are afraid,” Morgan said.

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Morgan said Woods, who was often considered “the life of the party,” kept the family in a joyful, fun spirit with her humor.

“She kept the family laughing,”Morgan said. “She was outgoing.”

Morgan said several community members loved Woods.

“She liked to joke. She liked to have a good time,” Morgan said. “The majority of everyone down there knew her, and they loved her.”

Woods said not knowing who took the life of her sister prevents the family from getting the closure they need to properly mourn Woods’ death. She said the family couldn’t truly cope until more questions are answered.

“It would actually help my mom,” Morgan said. “My mom blames this on herself.”

Lt. Curtis Muhannad, with the Selma Police Department, said the Woods’ murder case is considered a cold case, which happens when investigators have not recently discovered any new information. The case will be reopened once the investigation department receives any new leads.

Muhannad said the Selma Police Department has been tracking suspects and interviewing suspects since the incident happened in 2012, but they haven’t found evidence strong enough to charge someone.

Investigators have eliminated the possibility that anyone inside of the home at the time of the shooting murdered Woods.

“There’s never a statue of limitation on murder,” Muhannad said.

Muhannad said there have been times when a murder investigation has went on for more than 20 years before evidence that would force police to reopen the case was found.

He said people’s unwillingness to speak up is the reason so many cases go cold.

“That’s common in a lot of cases like this that people will have information and they don’t want to speak with the police,” Muhannad said. “We will run her case again to try to get people that may have had a change of heart, or may know something that caused them to say, ‘You know what? It’s gone on too long. I need to say something.’”

Anyone with information on the murder should contact the Selma Police Department at 874-2125.