Candido Rodriguez: Manhattan man charged after ex-girlfriend Melanie Woods found stabbed to death in apartment bathtub
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Authorities in Manhattan are investigating the claims of a man who fatally stabbed his ex-girlfriend and then dumped her bloody remains in her bathtub.
On Thursday, April 25, in the afternoon, police arrested Candido Rodriguez, 51, of West 22nd Street. He was charged with first-degree murder of ex-girlfriend, Melanie Woods and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Melanie Woods found with several stab wounds
In order to check on Woods' welfare, police and firefighters broke into her apartment at around six o'clock in the evening.
When they arrived, they found Woods, 33, of Second Avenue with several stab wounds as well as a slit across her neck. Sources and police reported late on Tuesday, April 23, according to the New York Post.
Her death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner after EMS personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.
Although Woods was scheduled to travel to California, she never showed up for her flight, which alarmed her mother and a friend who had been able to locate her phone back to her apartment.
According to sources, two neighbors reported hearing a disturbance from the apartment that morning before someone shut the door and descended the stairs. One neighbor told police that he saw Rodriguez in the stairwell at around seven on Tuesday morning.
According to sources, police discovered a sizable table inside the apartment that appeared to obstruct the front door.
Melanie Woods was 'vibrant soul'
In an online fundraiser, grieving family members Barbara, Stephen, and Kelly Woods portrayed Melanie as a devoted dog mother who enjoyed exploring new places, traveling extensively, and “always rooted for the underdog.”
“To know Melanie was to love her,” they wrote. “She was a vibrant soul who brought out the best in anyone around her, this we will never forget.” The family wrote that they wanted to return her to her native California.
More than $28,0000 had already been raised by family members, much more than the $10,000 needed to cremate her and cover the cost of the family's flight to New York to handle her affairs.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who had a big impact on our lives,” they wrote.
They further said, “It’s always hard to lose someone you know, to let go of Melanie, and move on. But if we keep those good memories in our hearts and minds, we can find comfort and Melanie will always be with us."
“Rest in peace, beautiful girl. We love you so much,” they concluded.
