Christopher and Ava Wood Wiki, Biography
Ava Wood, 14, and her father, Christopher Wood, 51, were found dead inside their home in upstate New York on the morning of January 20, 2022, in an apparent murder-suicide.
Authorities reported that Ava was found in a separate bedroom from her father, and both had fatal gunshot wounds to the head, with Christopher’s wound appearing to be self-inflicted.
The bodies were located through a welfare check at the residence, 6 Triangle Place, after the girl’s mother, Heather Wood, reported that there was no answer at her door and that Ava did not go to school.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into her murder.
What was going on at Ava Wood’s house?
Authorities reported that Christopher Wood and his wife, Heather Wood, were married but separated and living apart at the time of the incident.
Two days before the incident, Christopher Wood had sent threatening text messages to his wife. According to reports from Syracuse.com, Ava Wood’s mother told police that on the evening of January 19, 2022, she had a phone call with Christopher where he told her:
“This is how it ends for us.”
The Baldwinsville Central School District announced the news on Facebook, noting that after-school evening activities were suspended Friday due to the tragic death of Durgee Junior High School freshman Ava Wood. The high school hosted counseling and support services for students and families that night.
Ava’s death marks the second slaying of a girl in central New York in the past week, with the killing of 11-year-old Brexialee Torres-Ortiz on the night of January 16 in a drive-by shooting.
At a press conference, Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck said:
“It’s not an easy scene for either of us to witness. Both the sheriff and I have been with the police for a long time and having to go through a scene like that is not an easy thing to do.”
Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley told reporters that they had been made aware of two incidents involving Ava Wood’s parents in March 2022 and January 18, 2023, both of which included violence, one being an incident stalking and the other alleged aggravated harassment.
Ava Wood was a popular and social student
Ava Wood was a sports enthusiast, participating in track, soccer, and track. She was ranked No. 18 on the Baldwinsville girls’ junior varsity soccer team.
As reported by Syracuse.com, Ava was popular and outgoing, had a close circle of friends, and was also on the most recent quarter’s honor roll. Friends and coaches of hers said that she had innate athletic and soccer skills and that she strove to go faster.
Following the tragic incident, the Baldwinsville School District sent an email to parents and staff informing them of Ava’s death, writing:
“We are a tight-knit school community and our hearts are broken by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”
On January 21, 2023, Ava’s mother, Heather Wood, expressed her gratitude to the Central New York Community and thanked her for her love and support of her family.
The investigation is ongoing, although police believe Christopher Wood shot his daughter, Ava Wood, and then himself. St. Mary of the Assumption Church at 47 Syracuse Street in Baldwinsville held a candlelight vigil and prayer service Sunday night and streamed the service live on YouTube.