July 14, 2003

East Lansing. The Michigan State Police wish to offer their condolences to the family of Scott Woodring. Inspector Barry Getzen of the Michigan State Police stated, "We understand that these are trying times for his family and we offer any assistance we may be able to provide to them."

State Police investigators would also like to thank those who have called, sent cards or letters and made personal contacts to express their sympathy and support. The department is deeply moved and awed at the outpouring of support.

MSP officials report that Dr. Stephen Cohle performed an autopsy on Woodring this morning at the Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids. Dr. Cohle has determined that Woodring died of multiple gunshot wounds that struck several vital organs.

Detectives are currently analyzing and following up on tips. They are also conducting additional interviews and gathering evidence that may identify anyone who might have aided Woodring in his escape from the house or materially aided him during the time he was a fugitive.

Anyone with information about the movements of Scott Woodring or information about someone who may have aided him is asked to call 1-800-991-TIPS (8477). The Newaygo County Prosecutor’s Office will charge anyone identified as aiding Woodring or materially assisting him with Accessory After the Fact, which is a five-year felony.

The following is the chain of events leading up to the discovery of Woodring in Sheridan Township on Sunday morning:

• Trooper Kevin Marshall was shot at approximately 2:30 p.m. on July 7, 2003
• It is believed that Woodring left his residence near dusk on July 7, 2003 (an unknown subject was observed near the north side of the residence by an officer stationed on the outer perimeter)
• Tips were received throughout the week placing Woodring in west central Newaygo County, primarily in Lincoln, Sherman, Dayton and finally Sheridan Townships.
• Items of assistance were located and seized in Dayton Township. On July 8, 2003, a backpack containing survival gear was recovered in an area of 24^th Street and Osborn. On July 12, 2003, a poncho and water jug (still cold) were discovered and seized in the same area. These items are being analyzed for fingerprints.
• Officers sectored off large areas and searched them sector by sector in an effort to keep Woodring moving and to hinder anyone attempting to assist him. This searching continued through Saturday night.
• On July 13, 2003, a person residing near Maple Island Road and 60^th Street in Newaygo County was approached at approximately 4:30 a.m. by a person they knew as Scott Woodring. That person was concerned for their safety and the safety of others in the house because Woodring was acting abnormally. They made several phone calls and eventually the information concerning Woodring’s location was relayed to the command post at Fremont Police Department.
• An eight-member MSP Emergency Support Team was sent to the location. They arrived at approximately 5:30 a.m. in two unmarked vehicles and two fully marked patrol cars. Team members immediately observed Woodring sitting in a vehicle behind a house. One fully marked patrol car parked behind the vehicle, and illuminated the interior of the car with the patrol car’s spotlights allowing team members to recognize Woodring from photographs they had viewed.Team members then identified themselves by announcing "State Police." They instructed Woodring several times to remain in the vehicle. The intent was to remove Woodring from the car in a controlled manner and place him under arrest. He did not adhere to these commands and exited the vehicle from the right passenger door. As he exited, he withdrew a rifle and turned toward troopers. Five of the eight troopers then fired.

Woodring was armed with a semi-automatic Colt .223 caliber assault rifle. It was fully loaded with a 20-round magazine. A round was in the chamber and the safety was off. An additional larger .223 magazine was also found in the car. State Police have no indication that Woodring fired any shots from his rifle.

Found on Woodring’s person and in the car were a map of the Village of Hesperia, a map of Newaygo County, water, a military-style flashlight with a red lens and burglary tools. He was dressed in jeans, boots and a black T-shirt. His dress is similar to the clothing described by the officer on the outer perimeter who spotted an unknown subject on July 7.

There were also some writings, which were difficult to decipher and contained many biblical references. These writings are being analyzed to try to determine the time of the writing and any coherent or hidden messages. The most prominent biblical reference is to Isaiah 54:5.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.