The incident began about 8:10 a.m. as buses were arriving at the school. Earlier that morning he took his mother's life by slicing her throught. Woodham was heard talking during the rampage apologizing, saying he was sorry and not aiming at anybody in particular.

Following the incident he attempted to flee, but was stopped when the assistant principal rammed his car into Woodham's mother's vehicle to stop him.

It was reported that he was also member of a small student group, known as the "Kroth" which was described as a Satanic cult.