Thaindian News

Middletown, MARYLAND (BNO NEWS) – The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in order to provide further details that have been revealed as a result of the continuing investigation into the murder-suicide at 13 Washington Street, Middletown on April 18.

The identities of the victims were confirmed as Christopher Alan Wood (age 34), Francie Billotti-Wood (age 33) and their children, Chandler (age 5), Gavin (age 4) and Fiona (age 2). Late yesterday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the victims’ bodies back to their families. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for Francie, Chandler, Gavin and Fiona to be from gunshot wounds and the manner of death as homicide.

Francie was shot two (2) times - **Please note this corrected spelling of her first name**
Chandler was shot two (2) times
Gavin was shot three (3) times
Fiona was shot one (1) time

All shots were fired with a small caliber handgun into the head area of the victims. The Medical Examiner also determined that the traumatic cut injuries and lacerations that were described in the initial press conference occurred post –mortem.

The cause of death for Christopher Wood was determined to be from a gunshot wound and the manner of death as suicide. Wood shot himself in the head with a shotgun. Both the shotgun and handgun were recovered from the scene and ATF is currently tracing them to determine the registered owners.

Francie Billiotti-Wood was last seen by a relative on Thursday, April 16th around 8:45p.m. The forensic investigation indicates that the deaths of Francie, Chandler,

Gavin, and Fiona occurred sometime during Thursday night, possibly into the early morning hours of Friday morning. Christopher Wood was last seen by the babysitter on Friday morning, April 17th shortly before 9:00 a.m. It is believed that Mr. Wood died shortly thereafter.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence during which time a number of items were recovered as evidence, including a laptop and home computer, prescription medications, and notes apparently written by Mr. Wood. Initial examination of the computers indicates that the family was having extreme financial problems due to an overextended mortgage and credit cards.

The prescription medication was for Mr. Wood, who was apparently suffering from depression and anxiety. The toxicology reports from the Medical Examiner’s Office are expected to take a few weeks to be completed.

There were six (6) notes located at the scene that were apparently left by Mr. Wood. In them, he expresses the family’s financial hardship; his love for his wife, children, and parents; and, an apology for the nature of his actions.

The Woods had been renting the property since August of 2008. The residence was released to the landlord on 04/18/2009. Prior to moving to Middletown, the family was living in West Virginia for a short period of time after Mr. Wood transferred from the Jacksonville, Florida area. Mr. Woods was gainfully with CSX Railroad and was in good standing. Francie was an avid volunteer in the community.