A New York dad who killed his 14-year-old honor roll student daughter in a murder-suicide bought the 20-guage shotgun he used just two weeks before the tragic shooting.
Christopher Wood, 51, was able to legally purchase the shotgun to kill his daughter Ava and himself on January 20 despite two previous domestic incidents, including one just two days before the shooting.
Wood was involved in a stalking incident against his estranged wife Heather in March 2022, although she did not press charges against him.
Ava Wood, 14, was found with a gunshot wound to the head in a tragic murder-suicide carried out by her father Christopher Wood, 51,
The father and daughter were discovered by police after a welfare check was called to their home in upstate New York
He also sent his ex several abusive and harassing text messages days before the murder-suicide and made a distressing phone call the night before the tragedy.
'This is how it ends,' he warned her on the eve of the murder-suicide.
Wood was able to legally purchase the shotgun as he was never convicted of a crime and was not a felony offender.
In New York state, a gun permit is not required to purchase a shotgun or rifle outside New York City.
Sheriff Toby Shelley told CNY Central that the gruesome crime scene was 'one of the most challenging' of his 29-year career.
Police said Ava primarily lived with her father at his home in Triangle Place, in upstate New York as her parents were still married but separated and did not live together.
Heather told police that while she didn't press charges in the previous incidents, she reported them as she wanted them documented for potential future divorce proceedings.
The ninth grader was an honor roll student at Durgee Junior High School and was active in the school's athletics and soccer teams
Sheriff Toby Shelley said the gruesome crime scene was 'one of the most challenging' of his 29-year career
Police discovered the tragic murder-suicide on Friday morning after Ava's mother called for a welfare check to her husband's home, as she was concerned when Ava didn't turn up for class at Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville, New York,.
Heather reported that there were cars in the home's driveway but no answer at the door, according to dispatchers, despite knowing her daughter was at home with her father.
Ava was found in her bedroom with a bullet wound to the head, while her father's body was found in a nearby bedroom alongside the shotgun.
Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck said: 'The gunshot to Mr. Wood does appear to be self-inflicted.'
Ava was an active student at her high school, which implemented crisis counseling for students and canceled all after-school activities following the tragedy
A vigil for the 14-year-old was held following the tragic shooting as tributes have poured in for the high school student
Ava was an honor roll student and was involved at her high-school, especially in athletics and soccer.
Her social media accounts paint the picture of a carefree, fun-loving teenager who enjoyed sports and spending time with friends.
The teen's obituary describes her as being 'well known for the strong relationships she had with family and friends' and says she was 'born with a competitive spirit and a love for life'.
At a vigil held on Sunday night, Ava's soccer coach Corey Fonseca said she was 'an incredible person', reports Spectrum News.
'The most important thing we can do is try and remember the positives,' he said.
'(She was) an incredible person, like I said, and a bold and fun personality. Someone you showed up and really enjoyed coaching because she was just a great kid.'
'Every time we’d see each other, we’d always catch up with each other’s lives,' said a classmate at the service. 'I was always looking forward to seeing her.'
Ava's mother Heather issued a statement the night before thanking the Baldwinsville community for its 'outpouring of love' since the tragedy.
'To Ava’s friends, classmates, and teammates: please continue sharing photos and tributes to Ava,' she said.
'She loved each and every one of you, and we are grateful for the love you have shown her and our family.'
The Baldwinsville Central School District implemented crisis counseling for students and canceled all after-school activities.
'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 said 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.'
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 during this extremely difficult time.'
English (United States) ·