A father and daughter were found dead in what authorities called a murder-suicide at their home in upstate New York, just days after the girl’s mother reported being molested by her estranged husband.
Ava Wood, 14, was found in a separate room by her father Christopher Wood, 51, at their Baldwinsville home, both with fatal gunshot wounds to the head, which appeared to be self-inflicted.
Police discovered the tragedy after conducting a social check at the home after Ava’s mother, whose identity is unknown, said there was no answer at the door and that her 14-year-old daughter had not been to school.
The devastating murder came just days after Ava’s mother said her estranged husband sent harassing text messages and a stalking incident that happened in March last year.
Ava Wood (left), 14, and her father Christopher Wood, 51, were both found dead at their home in upstate New York – both with gunshot wounds to the head, police officers said his were self-inflicted
She told police she spoke to Christopher on the phone Thursday night and claims he said, “This is how it ends for us.”
Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck and County Sheriff Toby Shelley held a news conference Friday noon to announce the deaths.
“The shot at Mr. Wood appears to have been self-inflicted,” Lefancheck said.
The sheriff’s office is aware of the gun used, but not if Wood had a permit to use it.
The Baldwinsville Police Department (BPD) and Sheriff’s Office are currently working to put together an accurate timeline of the incident.
They previously said a woman made a 911 call around 8:31 a.m. Friday morning to request a status check at 6 Triangle Place after her daughter failed to show up for school on Friday.
The woman reported that cars were parked in the driveway of the home, but dispatchers said there was no answer at the door, despite knowing her daughter was at her father’s house.
Police discovered the tragedy after conducting a social check at the Baldwinsville home (pictured) after Ava’s mother, whose identity is unknown, said there was no answer at the door and her 14-year-old daughter was not at school went
The Baldwinsville Police Department (BPD) and Sheriff’s Office are currently working to put together an exact timeline of the incident, but have so far said a woman called 911 around 8:31 a.m. Friday morning, which led to the gruesome discovery
Ava lived primarily with her father in the Triangle Place house. Her parents were still married but separated and did not live together, police said.
The mother and father were involved in two previous domestic incidents, Shelley said.
The latest occurred just two days ago after the father sent harassing text messages to the mother, while a previous incident in March 2022 involved stalking.
Ava was a 9th grade student at Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville and was very involved in school, particularly in athletics.
Her social media accounts paint a picture of a fun-loving teenager who enjoys spending time with friends.
Friends and community members paid tribute to the 14-year-old high school student on her Instagram account.
Ava was a 9th grade student at Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville and was very involved in school, particularly in athletics
Her social media accounts paint a picture of a fun-loving teenager enjoying spending time with friends (left) – many of whom paid tribute after learning of her tragic murder (right).
Ava’s Instagram only has a few featured pictures on the account, but shows the young girl and her friends spending time together
Meanwhile, the Baldwinsville Central School District school district instituted crisis counseling for students and canceled all extracurricular activities.
“It’s important to allow children to speak about their grief experiences and what they need during this tragic time,” Acting Superintendent Joseph M. DeBarbieri said in a statement.
“Counselors urge you to listen to your child’s concerns and questions. After sharing this difficult news with your child and you feel they need additional support, our advisors are available to provide you with resources and strategies.’
He added: “We are a close-knit school community and our hearts are broken by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Ava’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’
An investigation into the incident is still ongoing.