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Asheville Lawyer Facing Murder Charge Arrested in Georgia for DUI and Assault
Patrick Tucker Wood's bond revoked after alleged violent incident with state troopers
Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:26pm
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Patrick Tucker Wood, a 36-year-old bankruptcy attorney from Weaverville, North Carolina, was arrested in Georgia on March 17 for driving under the influence and assaulting two state troopers. Wood is currently facing a second-degree murder charge in Buncombe County, North Carolina, for the August 2026 shooting death of Jason Gary Cole. A Buncombe County judge has now revoked Wood's $300,000 bond and ordered him returned to North Carolina custody.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges courts face in balancing public safety and defendants' rights, especially for those accused of violent crimes who are released on bond. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of North Carolina's new 'Iryna's law,' which shifts the burden of proof for bond decisions in violent offense cases.
The details
According to authorities, Wood was stopped by Georgia State Patrol in Berrien County for traffic violations. While in handcuffs, Wood allegedly tried to headbutt the troopers twice, breaking one trooper's finger and causing a laceration to another's arm. Wood was charged with felony aggravated battery, felony obstruction of law enforcement, felony assault on an officer, DUI, and other traffic violations. Buncombe County prosecutors then successfully petitioned a judge to revoke Wood's $300,000 bond, citing the need to 'ensure the safety of the community'.
- On August 17, 2026, Buncombe County deputies responded to a report of a gunshot and found Jason Gary Cole dead.
- On August 18, 2026, a judge set Wood's bond at $300,000 over prosecutors' request for $500,000.
- On September 30, 2026, Wood posted the $300,000 bond and was released from the Buncombe County Detention Facility.
- On March 17, 2027, Wood was arrested by Georgia State Patrol for DUI and assault on officers.
- On March 23, 2027, a judge ordered Wood held without bond and returned to Buncombe County custody.
The players
Patrick Tucker Wood
A 36-year-old bankruptcy attorney from Weaverville, North Carolina, who is facing a second-degree murder charge in Buncombe County.
Jason Gary Cole
A 43-year-old man from Weaverville, North Carolina, who was fatally shot by Wood in August 2026.
Katie Kurdys
An assistant district attorney in Buncombe County who filed a motion to revoke Wood's bond.
Louis Trosch
A visiting Superior Court judge in Buncombe County who ordered Wood held without bond.
William Addison
A captain with the Berrien County, Georgia Sheriff's Office who contacted prosecutors about Wood's arrest.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The Buncombe County District Attorney's Office will now work to extradite Wood from Georgia and bring him back to North Carolina to face the second-degree murder charge.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges courts face in balancing public safety and defendants' rights, especially for those accused of violent crimes. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of North Carolina's new 'Iryna's law' and whether it is adequately protecting communities from potentially dangerous individuals released on bond.
