A New York man is behind bars after police say he stabbed his former girlfriend multiple times before leaving her to die in her own bathtub.
Police found Melanie Woods, 33, with her neck slashed and numerous stab wounds Tuesday night, inside her East Harlem apartment. A medical examiner declared her deceased at the scene and her cause of death has been listed as a homicide, New York Post reports.
Police subsequently arrested 51-year-old Candido Rodriguez and charged him with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
NBC New York reports that officers discovered a table obstructing the doorway from inside of the victim’s apartment. After making their way inside, they found Woods unconscious and unresponsive in the bathtub.
A neighbor heard disturbances emanating from the apartment before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, then spotted Woods’ ex-boyfriend exiting the building.
“I thought it was an action movie. Like fighting, arguing,” the neighbor said, according to New York Daily News. “I kind of stopped and was like, ‘What the heck is that?’”
“We heard (the police) break down the door and then break down another door. It’s one of those things where you put it all together and you’re like, ‘Oh.’”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help the family with expenses.
“Melanie was a lover of traveling, a best friend to many, an adventure seeker, a loving dog mom, she was someone who always rooted for the underdog and loved to see people thrive and succeed,” loved ones wrote.
“She was a vibrant soul who brought out the best in anyone around her, this we will never forget.”
Rodriquez remains behind bars without bail. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Melanie Woods/Facebook]
