Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney recently announced the indictment of Willie Hart, a 59-year-old resident of Yaphank, for the murder of his girlfriend, Candace Woodruff, who was 37 years old and from Texas. The charge against Hart is Murder in the Second Degree.
District Attorney Tierney condemned Hart’s alleged actions as not only cowardly but also callous and reprehensible. He emphasized that his office would vigorously pursue the case to ensure that Hart is held responsible for his actions. Furthermore, Tierney expressed hope that the victim’s family receives a small measure of justice through the legal process.
The investigation into the incident revealed that on May 29, 2023, at approximately 2:25 a.m., Hart, who worked as a long-haul trucker, called the police to report that he had found Woodruff unresponsive on the floor of his tractor cab. The cab was parked near the Shore Motor Inn in Patchogue. When the police arrived at the scene, they discovered Woodruff lying on the ground in front of the tractor cab, not breathing. They also observed that Hart had multiple injuries to his face, which were actively bleeding at the time.
Medical staff who examined Woodruff’s body found various injuries, including facial and neck abrasions, neck soft tissue hemorrhage, head and neck contusions, as well as minor contusions and abrasions on her extremities. Woodruff was immediately taken to Long Island Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined that Woodruff’s cause of death was asphyxia by neck compression. Further investigation revealed that Woodruff did not have visible injuries when she left her motel room and headed towards the tractor cab.
Witness accounts provided crucial information in the case. One witness reported seeing Woodruff leaving her motel room at around 1:25 a.m., visibly upset after an alleged argument with Hart. She was carrying several bags and entered the tractor cab parked nearby. The witness stated that Hart was observed watching Woodruff as she walked toward the cab. Approximately nine minutes later, Hart was seen leaving the motel room and entering the cab, where he remained with Woodruff for approximately 37 minutes. During this time, video surveillance captured what appeared to be a struggle between the two individuals.
After leaving the cab, Hart allegedly sat outside the trailer for a while before casually walking back to the motel room. He retrieved a bag from the room, placed it in a car, and then returned to the trailer cab before finally calling 911. Authorities processed the trailer cab for evidence and discovered signs of an alleged struggle. The cab was covered with Ramen noodles from front to back, which were also found in Woodruff’s mouth. Additionally, jewelry consistent with what Woodruff and Hart wore was recovered from the floor of the cab. Hart was also observed returning from the cab in a disheveled state with blood on his face.
On October 16, 2023, Hart was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro. Hart faces a charge of Murder in the Second Degree, which is a Class A violent felony. Justice Ambro remanded Hart into custody for the duration of the case. Hart is scheduled to appear in court again on November 15, 2023, and could potentially face a prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of the top charge. Christopher Brocato, Esq. is representing Hart in the legal proceedings.
Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau is prosecuting the case, with the valuable investigative assistance of Detective Richard Jones from the Homicide Squad.
This case highlights the commitment of Suffolk County law enforcement in pursuit of justice for the victims of violent crimes. District Attorney Tierney expressed confidence that his office, along with the involved investigators and legal teams, will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served in this tragic case.
The public response to the news of this indictment has been overwhelming, with many expressing their sympathy and support for Woodruff’s family. Facebook users have shared their thoughts and condolences in the comments section, reflecting the community’s desire for justice to be served in this case.
Overall, the indictment and upcoming trial of Willie Hart for the murder of Candace Woodruff has brought a tragic and disturbing incident to the forefront. The public now awaits the trial process, during which the evidence will be presented, witnesses will testify, and justice will be sought for the victim and her family.
