Mom of Ava Wood’s message to Central NY: Thank you for outpouring of love, support

Ava Wood

Ava Wood, 14, -- pictured in the Baldwinsville junior varsity soccer team -- was fatally shot inside her Baldwinsville home in an apparent murder-suicide on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Courtesy of Baldwinsville School District

Baldwinsville, N.Y. — The mother of Ava Wood on Saturday thanked the Central New York community for its love and support toward her family following her daughter’s killing in Baldwinsville.

Ava, 14, was found shot dead Friday morning in a house at 6 Triangle Place in Baldwinsville along with her father, 51-year-old Christopher Wood, in an apparent murder-suicide by the father.

Police are still investigating the killings but believe the father shot his daughter before turning a shotgun on himself. She was found dead in a bed in one bedroom and he was found dead in another bedroom.

Ava’s mom, Heather Wood, issued a statement Saturday afternoon.

“We want to begin by expressing our gratitude for the outpouring of love that we’ve received in the last 24 hours—it is the love and support from our community that will sustain us in the coming days,” she said.

“To Ava’s friends, classmates, and teammates: please continue sharing photos and tributes to Ava. She loved each and every one of you, and we are grateful for the love you have shown her and our family.”

Heather Wood said the family is planning their next steps.

“First and foremost, we must plan for celebrating Ava’s life and laying her to rest,” she said. “That information will be shared with Ava’s loved ones in the coming days.”

A candlelight vigil and prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 47 Syracuse St. in Baldwinsville. The service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube page.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of faith practice,” the church’s post said.

Related

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Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.

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