A Manhattan man allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death before dumping her bleeding remains in her bathtub in a sickening scene, according to police and law enforcement sources.
Police and firefighters raided Melanie Woods’s residence for a welfare check at 6 p.m., discovering her with multiple stab wounds and a slash across her neck. Police and sources confirmed this information to The Post on Tuesday night.
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EMS personnel confirmed her death on the site, and the city medical examiner ruled it a homicide.
Her mother and a friend, who had tracked her phone’s location back to her apartment, were alarmed when Woods failed to arrive at her intended destination of California.
According to police, on Thursday afternoon, her lover, 51-year-old Candido Rodriguez of West 22nd Street, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
One neighbor told cops he spotted Rodriguez on the stairwell around 7 a.m. Tuesday, while another said they heard a commotion coming from the apartment before someone slammed the door and headed down the stairs, sources said.
Police discovered a huge table inside the flat that appeared to be blocking the front door, according to reports.
Barbara, Stephen, and Kelly Woods, Melanie’s heartbroken family members, characterized her in an online fundraising as a loving dog mom who traveled extensively, craved adventure, and “always rooted for the underdog.”
“To know Melanie was to love her,” they stated. “She was a vibrant soul who brought out the best in anyone around her; this we will never forget.”
The family wishes to return her to her homeland, California, according to the letter.
Relatives had already raised more than $28,000, considerably above the $10,000 asked to cremate her and pay for the family’s flight to New York to settle her affairs.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who had a big impact on our lives,” they stated in the letter. “It is always difficult to lose someone you know, to let go of Melanie and move on.” But if we maintain those happy memories in our hearts and minds, we can find solace in knowing that Melanie will always be with us.
“Rest in peace, beautiful girl,” they murmured. “We love you so much.”
