Authorities found a 51-year-old New York father and his 14-year-old daughter, Ava Wood, shot to death in their Baldwinsville home on January 20, 2023, in what police believe was a murder-suicide. The bodies of Ava and her dad, Christopher Wood, were discovered at a home at 6 Triangle Place when authorities performed a welfare check on the house.
Heather Wood, Christopher's estranged wife and Ava's mother, could not get an answer at the door that morning and was concerned Ava had not left for school. She contacted authorities for help.
Now details are emerging about Christopher, who police say had contact with authorities in the past for issues involving his estranged wife, Fox News reported. Young Ava was beloved by her friends and school community, whose lives were shaken by the senseless murder-suicide. Let's take a closer look at Ava Wood's story.
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Ava Wood's dad, Christopher, and mom, Heather, had a tumultuous relationship.
Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley and Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck held a press conference at the time to discuss details of the case, WSYR reported. Authorities confirmed that Ava's father and mother were not living together at the time of the killings and that there had been some trouble between them.
The sheriff's office reported two instances involving that office in the past, according to WYSR. The first instance occurred in March 2022 and the second in January 2023, just two days before police discovered the bodies.
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Heather claimed her estranged husband was dangerous.
Shelley confirmed during the news conference that Ava's dad, Christopher, had been abusive toward Heather.
"They did involve violence, one was a stalking incident, and the other was an alleged aggravated harassment incident," the sheriff said.
The harassment incident reportedly involved texts from Christopher to Heather. The Baldwinsville Police Department only had contact with Ava's father several years ago but nothing recently. The sheriff's office reported it was unaware of any previous suicidal threats he had made.
Heather said her final conversation with Christopher was foreboding.
CNY Central obtained the original dispatches from Heather Wood's 911 call Friday morning. She reportedly told dispatchers she was concerned about her daughter and estranged husband.
According to the news outlet, the dispatcher said, "She talked with the male last night, and he said, 'This is how it ends for us.'" Heather Wood allegedly told the dispatcher that her estranged husband had recently shown signs of depression.
After the killing, the Post-Standard of Syracuse reported that Ava's dad had purchased a gun just 16 days before he killed his daughter.
Ava Wood was an excellent athlete and popular in school.
Parents and students had great things to say about Ava, a ninth grader at Durgee Junior High School. She was a talented soccer player, active with the Girls Academy League. She also was a member of her school's track team, where she always gave her best effort.
Tiffany Stubbmann, Ava's track coach, praised the girl to the Post-Standard. "She always, always tried hard," she said. "She was competitive and self-directed. She had natural ability, but trying hard was her thing."
She confirmed that the ninth grader was an honor student and that teachers loved having her in class. "She's one of those special students that reminds you why you love coaching," Stubbmann said, according to the news outlet. "She was a leader, a serious competitor and all-around athlete."
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School district officials offered counseling services to students following the news of Ava's story.
Fox News reported that the Baldwinsville Central School District had crisis counselors available to help students work through the unimaginable tragedy.
"It's important to allow children to talk about their grief experiences and what they need during this tragic time," acting Superintendent Joseph M. DeBarbieri noted in a statement. "Counselors urge you to listen to your child's concerns and questions. After communicating this difficult news to your child, if you feel that they need additional support, our counselors will be available to provide you with resources and strategies."
The community held a candlelight vigil in honor of Ava and her story. Her mother released a statement to WYSR honoring her daughter.
"We want to begin by expressing our gratitude for the outpouring of love that we've received in the last 24 hours — it is the love and support from our community that will sustain us in the coming days," she said.
"To Ava’s friends, classmates, and teammates: please continue sharing photos and tributes to Ava. She loved each and every one of you, and we are grateful for the love you have shown her and our family.”
On the anniversary of Ava's death in January 2024, the Baldwinsville community held a remembrance night to celebrate her life. The central New York town also started a scholarship fund and held a fun run and fundraiser in Ava's honor.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
