Man Arrested in 1997 Midland Mall Sexual Assault Case After DNA Breakthrough

MIDLAND, Texas — A decades-old sexual assault case has led to an arrest after advances in DNA technology helped investigators identify a suspect, according to the Midland Police Department.

James Lee Woodard, 61, of Big Spring, was arrested on April 2, 2026, on a charge of aggravated sexual assault. He was booked into the Howard County Jail, where his bond was set at $250,000.

The case dates back to September 1, 1997, when Midland police responded to a report of a sexual assault at Midland Park Mall, located at 4511 North Midkiff Road.

Investigators said a 49-year-old woman was taking out the trash around 10:30 p.m. when she was grabbed, threatened with a box cutter, and forced into a light-colored van. Police said she was sexually assaulted inside the vehicle while another suspect drove. The victim later returned to the mall and contacted security, who called police.

A sexual assault examination was conducted at Midland Memorial Hospital, and evidence was collected. An unknown DNA profile was developed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System in 1999, but no match was found at the time.

In 2001, the Midland County District Attorney’s Office presented the case to a grand jury, which issued an indictment tied to the unidentified DNA profile.

The case was reopened in 2023, and Midland police partnered with the Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program. Using advanced forensic genetic genealogy, investigators were able to develop a lead.

Authorities said a DNA sample later confirmed Woodard as a match to evidence collected in 1997.

On April 1, 2026, the case was presented again to a grand jury, which issued a new indictment naming Woodard.

He was arrested the following day with assistance from the Texas Rangers, their Special Operations Group, and the Big Spring Police Department.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case, including possible additional suspects, to come forward.