Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. today announced the indictment of CANDIDO RODRIGUEZ, 51, for stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in her East Harlem apartment last month. RODRIGUEZ is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Murder in the Second Degree. [1] 

“As alleged, Candido Rodriguez brutally murdered Melanie Woods, his ex-girlfriend, in her apartment after waiting for her to return from walking her dog. I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Woods’s family and friends as they continue to mourn her loss,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Ms. Woods’s life was tragically cut short, and my Office will work to secure justice for her. If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, we urge you to call our helpline at 212-335-4308 where trained professionals can provide resources to help.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on April 23, 2024, at approximately 6:15 a.m., RODRIGUEZ entered Ms. Woods’s East Harlem apartment building and waited for her to return from her daily, early morning dog walk. RODRIGUEZ was sitting on the stairs between floors outside of her apartment, where they used to live together. 

Ms. Woods returned at approximately 7:15 a.m. Shortly thereafter, RODRIGUEZ brutally murdered her inside her apartment, stabbing her nineteen times to the neck, torso, and leg. 

At approximately 8:05 a.m., RODRIGUEZ left the building and hailed a cab. 

Assistant D.A. Christopher Prevost (Deputy Chief of the Trial Division and Unit Chief of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit) is handling the prosecution of this case along with Assistant D.A. Marcella Lupski (Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit) under the supervision of Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, specifically Detective Gerasimo Pyramides and Lieutenant Eloise Walter both of the 25th Precinct Detective Squad. 

Defendant Information: 

CANDIDO RODRIGUEZ 

New York, NY 

Charged:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count 

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.