Human Remains Identified as Missing Ponchatoula Man
HAMMOND (March 17, 2026)- The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has received confirmation from the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office that human remains found in the Ponchatoula area in September are those of 43-year-old James Wood.
The case has now been reclassified as a homicide. While the official manner of death is still undetermined, there is evidence of a gunshot wound among the remains.
Wood, known to loved ones as ‘Jimmy,’ was last seen on surveillance video at the La 22 Mart on the corner of Highway 22 and Lee’s Landing in Ponchatoula on Thursday, June 19. Relatives reported last speaking to him on Saturday, June 21. He was officially reported missing on June 25th. His car, keys, and other belongings were found at his home in the 40000 block of River Road in Ponchatoula.
On September 12th, human remains were discovered in a wooded area near Wood’s address. Since that time, the remains have been under analysis by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab and the specialized FACES Lab in an effort to confirm their identity. DNA testing has concluded and confirmed that the remains are Wood.
“Our hearts go out to this family, as this is devastating news following an excruciating wait for answers about where Jimmy is,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker. “While we now have one answer, there are several more unanswered questions, including what happened to Jimmy and who is responsible for what happened to him. My detectives have not stopped searching for those answers, and they will not stop.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact our Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!
Tips received directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
TPSO Public Information Office, pio@tpso.org
