Rod Jackson Death; Obituary: Bar Patron suffers near-fatal stabbing at Woodshed Bar

The tragic and disturbing death of Rod Jackson, a beloved bar patron, who was savagely attacked in a confrontation at the Woodshed Bar in West Charlotte, has left the local community in shock and mourning. The incident took place late on the evening of February 9, 2025, and has prompted an outpouring of grief from both his friends and family, as well as from the LGBTQ+ community that frequented the establishment.

Rod Jackson, a 30-year-old man from the Charlotte area, tragically became the victim of a violent and near-fatal stabbing, which would change his life forever. The bar, a popular LGBTQ+ venue located on Queen City Drive, has since been a focal point of an investigation led by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The brutality of the assault and the circumstances surrounding it have caused public outcry.

As police investigations unfold, the victim, Jackson, is left to recover from severe knife wounds inflicted by a security officer working at the bar. What was supposed to be a fun and uneventful night out turned into a horrific ordeal for Jackson, who is lucky to be alive but still left reeling from the attack. His hospital recovery has been slow and painful, as he battles the physical trauma and emotional aftermath of the events.

At the heart of the altercation was a verbal argument that quickly escalated between Jackson and Christopher Harris, the alleged assailant. The unfortunate encounter was provoked by a brief disagreement over space in the crowded bar. Witnesses reported that Harris, a 34-year-old security officer working at the bar, demanded Jackson move, and the two exchanged heated words. As tensions rose, physical confrontation was seemingly inevitable. What followed would leave Jackson with severe injuries, a cut stomach, and a dangerously damaged large intestine.

Harris, whose role at the bar was reportedly limited to security functions such as checking for weapons, should not have been armed. According to the owner of the Woodshed Bar, Timothy Lee, Harris was contracted through a third-party security agency and should not have had access to a weapon while on duty. The owner was quick to distance the venue from any culpability in the matter, claiming that the altercation was the result of an unforeseen, volatile situation. However, the fact remains that this tragic event has changed the lives of many involved.

Jackson’s account of the confrontation reveals a sudden escalation of violence. After the argument, Harris was escorted outside by bar staff, but it seemed that someone had let him back inside the bar through a different entrance. As Jackson approached the door to leave, he described seeing Harris emerge with a weapon and begin stabbing him. The severity of the injuries left Jackson fighting for his life, with doctors confirming that had the knife cut been any deeper, he could have bled to death before reaching medical assistance.

Witnesses to the horrific event corroborated Jackson’s story, with many of them describing the shocking and senseless violence that took place inside the popular establishment. With injuries that would forever alter his life, Jackson is left to come to terms with what happened and continue his difficult journey toward healing.

In the aftermath of the stabbing, the victim spoke about the terror of the attack and his disbelief at the incident. “I didn’t know why he was so angry,” Jackson shared in a statement from his hospital bed. “We’ve never had any problems before. I can’t understand what made him snap.” Jackson also alluded to the fact that he had heard rumors about Harris having a history of hostility and violence, and it is now clear that those concerns may have been warranted.

Though physically weakened, Jackson’s resilience and determination to heal remain strong. His story has not only garnered sympathy from those who knew him but has sparked broader conversations about workplace security, gun violence, and the safety of patrons at local bars. Jackson’s loved ones have shown overwhelming support, while the LGBTQ+ community, which the Woodshed Bar had served as a safe and inclusive space for, is left reeling from the horror that unfolded.

Christopher Harris’ Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The suspected attacker, Christopher Harris, is now in police custody, where he is being held without bond in the Mecklenburg County Jail. Harris faces charges of aggravated assault, among other possible legal ramifications, as the case progresses through the courts. Law enforcement officials and legal experts are keeping a close eye on the developments, given the unusual nature of the attack and the involvement of a security officer who was supposed to be ensuring safety.

As the investigation continues, questions about the broader responsibility of the bar and the security company that contracted Harris remain unanswered. With allegations of a prior pattern of violence and hostile behavior from Harris, there is a growing public desire to understand how such a dangerous individual was allowed to hold a security position in the first place.

Local activists have also called for a deeper examination of security practices at bars and public venues, emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks for employees who hold positions of authority or are tasked with maintaining safety. The bar’s response to the incident, and how they plan to safeguard patrons in the future, will likely be a focal point of both public discourse and legal proceedings.

The tragic death of Rod Jackson has not only left his family and friends devastated but has also led to an outpouring of support for reform and accountability in bars, restaurants, and security operations. Many are left questioning how an establishment, which is supposed to provide a safe and welcoming environment, allowed such violence to unfold on their premises.

As the legal system takes its course, many hope that the trial of Christopher Harris will provide some closure and clarity for Jackson’s loved ones and the larger community, who are left struggling to understand how such a senseless act of violence could have occurred in a place meant for relaxation and fun.

The Legacy of Rod Jackson and his Final Farewell

Despite the brutal attack that left him fighting for his life, Rod Jackson’s legacy will not be defined by the tragic events of February 9. As he continues his recovery, surrounded by loved ones, friends, and supporters, Jackson remains determined to heal and move forward. However, the scars—both physical and emotional—will remain for the foreseeable future.

Rod Jackson’s family has since issued a heartfelt obituary, celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him. Born and raised in Charlotte, Jackson was known for his warm and friendly nature, his sense of humor, and his love of community. He had been a regular patron at the Woodshed Bar, where he had formed strong connections with the other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Jackson’s friends describe him as an “upstanding individual” who always brought positivity into any room he entered.

In his final farewell, Jackson’s family expressed their sorrow at his injury but also expressed gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time. They requested that instead of flowers or gifts, those wishing to honor Jackson’s memory could make donations to local charities that work to support the LGBTQ+ community and victims of violence.

“We want to remember Rod for the good he brought to our lives,” said Jackson’s mother, in an emotional tribute. “His light shined brighter than any violence could ever dim. We are heartbroken, but we are determined to carry his legacy forward.”

The Woodshed Bar’s Response and Community Reactions

The owner of the Woodshed Bar, Timothy Lee, expressed his condolences to Jackson’s family and his shock at the violence that unfolded on his premises. He has vowed to cooperate fully with law enforcement and support Jackson in any way possible. Lee also confirmed that changes would be made to improve the safety of the venue, including revisiting the practices of security personnel and ensuring that no staff member would ever be armed while on duty again.

Many regular patrons of the bar, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, have voiced their concerns over safety and security. They fear that a violent incident like this could have a ripple effect, undermining the safe space that the Woodshed Bar had provided for so many. In the wake of this tragedy, the community has rallied together, calling for heightened vigilance and a commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels welcome and protected in public spaces.

A memorial fund has been established to help with Jackson’s medical expenses and to support ongoing efforts to advocate for safer environments in bars, restaurants, and social spaces.

Rod Jackson’s story is one of survival, resilience, and the need for change. As his journey of recovery continues, his family and the community will continue to honor his memory, ensuring that the senseless violence that almost claimed his life does not define the life he lived.