EUGENE, Ore. — Darren Lee Woods, a 57-year-old man, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a shooting that occurred in April 2021, leaving the victim permanently disabled. Woods was convicted on charges of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident unfolded on Kelso Street in Eugene, where Woods shot a man he did not know. The only connection between the two men, investigators say, was that they both lived on the same property. After the shooting, Woods fled the scene, sparking a search that eventually led to his capture by the California Highway Patrol. Officers apprehended Woods while he was driving at nearly 90 miles per hour en route to Reno, Nevada.
Following his arrest, Woods’ legal journey was marred by several delays, including multiple instances of him failing to appear in court and removing his ankle monitor. Additionally, the case was postponed numerous times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Woods’ repeated decision to fire his attorneys.
On March 19, 2025, after a lengthy trial, a jury found Woods guilty of all charges. In accordance with Oregon’s Ballot Measure 11, which mandates minimum sentences for certain crimes, Woods was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
The victim of the shooting continues to live with the lasting effects of the crime, facing permanent disability. The case serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violent crimes, not only for the victims but for those involved in the criminal justice system.
