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Incident
Inspector James Wood was shot and killed near Warsaw, in Richmond County, while attempting to serve a warrant. He had gone to the man's home with two other inspectors, one of whom was also his brother. The inspectors did not find the suspect but found five gallons of liquor. They learned that the man was on his way home and waited for the him to return. When the man arrived he went into his home, obtained a shotgun, and opened fire. Inspector Wood was struck in the head by the blast. The man then barricaded himself in his home for several hours before surrendering to the county sheriff. The killer was executed in June, 1932. Inspector Wood had served with the agency for eight years and had previously served as a federal agent for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Wood gave the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Wood.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 1 officer at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1930, 7 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49.5; the middle age was 39. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 38. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.5% of these deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement; August holds the most, 25%. Fridays: 25%.
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Fridays: 12.7%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
