Nancy Bass, a 45-year-old Columbia woman who was arrested Thursday by the Columbia Police Department for the second-degree murder of Joseph Woodward, had her bond set at $100,000 Friday morning by Judge Donovan McComb. The death of Woodward, who died at the age of 39 in 2021, was a cold case that the new CPD administration made a priority in recent months.
Bass worked as Woodward’s caregiver as Woodward was a paraplegic with limited mobility, according to the CPD. Lt. Jonathon Martin said when the case was investigated, the department found that Woodward was malnourished and showed several signs of neglect.
“We’re taking a look at all cases from the past seven years,” Martin said. “We’re making sure they’re good, which is something Chief (Adrien) Fortenberry wanted us to do. This one rose to the top.”
Fortenberry said in a press release that the CPD has worked tirelessly to seek justice for Woodward and his family.
"This arrest marks a significant step forward in resolving this tragic case," Fortenberry said. "We hope this brings some measure of closure to those affected by this crime."
Municipal Court Judge Donovan McComb explained the charge to Bass Friday morning and why it’s considered second degree.
“The charge is a second-degree murder charge under section 97-3-19,” he said. “And the claim is that you did feloniously, willfully and unlawfully, although without premeditation, to affect the death of Joseph Woodward, killed Joseph Woodward while Nancy Bass was engaged in deprivation of food, water and medical care, and act eminently dangerous to others, and evincing and pray to parts of life. So that equates to a charge of second-degree murder against Joseph Woodward.”
After studying precedent for second-degree murder, both through his own cases and others, McComb asked Martin and Capt. Chris Brumfield if they had any recommendations for the bond, and they both deferred to the court. However, Martin did mention that Woodward’s family asked for Bass to receive the highest bond available. Taking everything into account, primarily precedent, McComb set Bass’ bond at $100,000.
Bass initially told McComb that she intended to hire a private attorney, but after discussing her financial situation with McComb, he recommended that she accept a court-appointed attorney initially and could hire outside counsel at a later date. She was assigned Public Defender Joe Turney.
McComb scheduled Bass’ initial appearance in Justice Court for August 14 at 9 a.m.
