Candido Rodriguez interrupted proceedings in a Manhattan courtroom after objecting to a photographer taking his picture while he appeared in court over the death of his former girlfriend, Melanie Woods.
Rodriguez, who appeared handcuffed and wearing dark glasses and a beanie, repeatedly turned toward court officers as he protested the photographer’s presence.
Judge Ann Scherzer eventually intervened after the disruption and described the proceedings as an open court before asking the photographer to stop taking pictures of the defendant.
Rodriguez Faces Murder Charge in Woods’ Death
Rodriguez is accused of killing Woods, 33, whose body was discovered inside her Harlem apartment in April 2024.
He faces charges of first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He appeared in court from a psychiatric ward while awaiting a mental-health evaluation ahead of trial.
His defense team is also discussing the possibility of reaching a plea agreement, according to the report.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Attack
Prosecutors allege that Woods was killed after returning home from walking her dog in the early hours of April 23.
According to the prosecution’s account, Rodriguez had sent her a series of angry and hostile messages before allegedly waiting for her inside her apartment.
The pair had been involved in an on-and-off relationship, and prosecutors said Woods had previously asked Rodriguez to stop contacting her.
Neighbors Reported Screams and Crashes
Prosecutors allege that Woods arrived home at around 7am and that neighbors subsequently heard shouting, crashes and screams coming from the apartment.
Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Marcella Lupski previously told the court that the disturbance stopped at approximately 8am.
A neighbor reportedly heard a door close before hearing footsteps heading down the stairs.
Prosecutors allege that Rodriguez then left the building and was captured on video hailing a taxi shortly after 8am.
Woods Suffered Multiple Stab Wounds
Woods was later found dead inside the apartment after friends became concerned about her failure to travel as planned and requested a welfare check.
Prosecutors allege that she had suffered more than 20 stab wounds across her torso and legs and that her neck had also been cut.
Lupski previously told the court that prosecutors allege Rodriguez killed Woods and left her body in the bathtub.
These allegations have not been tested at trial.
Concerns About Rodriguez’s Mental State
Rodriguez’s emotional state has been a notable feature of his court appearances.
His defense attorney previously requested immediate medical attention after Rodriguez appeared extremely distressed during an earlier proceeding. The judge agreed to place him under suicide watch.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Rodriguez again appeared visibly distressed and became upset when his photograph was being taken.
He had previously broken down in tears during his arraignment.
Family Became Concerned When Woods Missed Flight
Woods had been preparing to travel to California, but she never boarded her scheduled flight.
Her mother and a friend became concerned about her whereabouts and used her phone’s location to determine that she was at her apartment.
A subsequent wellness check led to the discovery of her body.
Family Remembers Woods as ‘Vibrant’
Woods’ family described her as a loving dog owner who enjoyed travel and adventure and had a reputation for supporting people who needed encouragement.
In a fundraising appeal created after her death, her relatives wrote that knowing Woods was to love her and remembered her as someone who brought out the best in those around her.
The family raised money to help return her remains to California and described saying goodbye as an especially painful experience.
Case Moves Toward December Hearing
Rodriguez remains in custody while the case proceeds through the Manhattan criminal court system.
His next scheduled court appearance is December 1.
The murder allegations remain unresolved, and Rodriguez is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until he is found guilty in court.
