A man from Manhattan reportedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death and left her bloody body in her bathtub. Melanie Woods, 33, was found with multiple stab wounds and a slash across her neck when authorities entered her apartment for a check. Emergency workers pronounced her dead at the scene, and the medical examiner determined it was a homicide. Concern arose when Woods did not board her flight to California as planned, prompting friends and family to track her phone’s location to her apartment. Her boyfriend, Candido Rodriguez, 51, was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Following the discovery of Woods’ body, neighbors reported seeing Rodriguez in the building’s stairwell and hearing a disturbance coming from her apartment that morning. Additionally, a large table appeared to be blocking the apartment’s front door, indicating an effort to conceal the crime scene. Woods’ family, including Barbara, Stephen, and Kelly Woods, shared memories of her on an online fundraiser. They described her as a loving dog mom who enjoyed travel and adventure and always supported the underdog. The family expressed a desire to bring her home to California and raised more than $28,000 to cover funeral expenses and travel costs.
The Woods family expressed their struggle to say goodbye to Melanie, acknowledging the impact she had on their lives. They emphasized the importance of holding onto cherished memories to find comfort in the midst of loss. Despite the difficulty of letting go, they highlighted the presence of Melanie’s spirit in their hearts and minds. The family’s fundraiser surpassed its initial goal, enabling them to make arrangements for Melanie’s cremation and their journey to New York to handle her affairs. They concluded their tribute by wishing Melanie a peaceful rest and declaring their enduring love for her.
The tragic death of Melanie Woods left her family and community devastated as they grappled with the loss of a vibrant and beloved individual. The circumstances surrounding her murder, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend, added to the shock and heartache experienced by those who knew her. The acts of violence and concealment described in the investigation underscore the disturbing nature of the crime and the impact it had on those who discovered the scene. Through their fundraiser and heartfelt expressions, the Woods family honored Melanie’s memory and sought closure in the face of profound grief.
The details of Melanie Woods’ life and tragic passing painted a picture of a woman cherished for her kindness, spirit, and zest for life. Her family’s words illuminated the impact she had on their lives and the extraordinary qualities that made her unforgettable. The outpouring of support and generosity from friends, loved ones, and strangers demonstrated the widespread impact of Melanie’s presence and the community’s desire to provide comfort and closure to her family. The commemoration of her life through the fundraiser and public statements reflected the desire to celebrate her legacy and the love that she inspired in those around her.
As the investigation into Melanie Woods’ death continued and her family worked to navigate the aftermath of the tragedy, the community rallied around them to offer solace and support. The fundraising efforts and messages of remembrance served as a tribute to Melanie’s spirit and resilience in the face of senseless violence. The shared grief and determination to honor her memory highlighted the strength and unity of those who knew and cared for Melanie, creating a sense of solidarity and compassion in the wake of an unimaginable loss. Through their words and actions, the Woods family and their supporters sought to ensure that Melanie’s legacy would endure and that her spirit would always be cherished and remembered.
