Melanie Woods: NYC woman found stabbed to death by now-arrested boyfriend during NYPD welfare check
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Melanie Woods, a 33-year-old woman from New York City, was tragically found dead in her East Harlem apartment on Tuesday, April 23.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) discovered her lifeless body during a wellness check after she failed to board a flight to California.
The circumstances surrounding her death have left her family and friends struggling to say goodbye to a vibrant soul who touched many lives.
How was Melanie Woods discovered dead?
The NYPD had to force entry into Woods’ apartment as a table was blocking the doorway from within.
Inside, they found Woods in her bathtub, having suffered multiple stab wounds to her chest and cuts to her neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a tragic end to a "life full of love, adventure, and compassion."
The police were called by the Woods family for a welfare check after she missed a flight to California at 7 pm.
Two days later, on Thursday, April 25, Woods’ estranged boyfriend, Candido Rodriguez, 51, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder and weapons possession.
The investigation revealed that a neighbor had heard a commotion from Woods’ apartment early on the day she was found dead, followed by someone leaving the apartment. Police stated that Rodriguez was seen exiting the building that same day, NBC New York reported.
How is Melanie Woods being remembered?
In the wake of her death, a GoFundMe was set up in Melanie Woods' honor. “To know Melanie was to love her,” her family described her at the fundraiser.
“Melanie was a lover of traveling, a best friend to many, an adventure seeker, a loving dog mom, she was someone who always rooted for the underdog and loved to see people thrive and succeed," the family further wrote on the fundraiser.
They described her as a “vibrant soul who brought out the best in anyone around her.”
Melanie Woods' family says it's difficult to bid her goodbye
The Woods family wants to bring Melanie home to her native California, and is asking for "support to be able to give her body the peace she deserves."
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who had a big impact on our lives,” the GoFundMe page continued.
“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," it added.
"Rest in peace beautiful girl we love you so much," the fundraiser set up by Barbara, Stephen, and Kelly Woods concluded.
Melanie Woods' family is filled with gratitude for all the help
By Friday, April 27, the fundraiser had received $36,634 against a total goal of $10,000.
The family also expressed gratitude after Woods’s alleged murderer was arrested.
They thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time, writing, “Thank you [everyone] for helping my family out in this hard time."
"It means the world to us to see how many hearts Melanie has touched and all the lives she has impacted. We are so beyond happy and thankful for everyone’s donations. Thank you all so much for all your messages, tears, and help in this time of need," the post concluded.
