By Lauren Young
Staff Writer
In what was described as an “execution” by Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, four Chili’s workers were intended to be killed by the man accused of carrying out the double homicide at Chili’s Bar and Grill in DeWitt last Saturday morning —two witnesses, however, “miraculously” survived.
Fitzpatrick gave an update about the double homicide on the morning of Monday, Sept. 17 at his office, stating that suspect William D. Wood Jr., 32, of Syracuse, intended to kill all four employees working that closing shift with victims Stephen Gudknecht and Kristopher Hicks.
According to DeWitt Chief of Police John Anton, there were two survivors of the deadly attacked, a man and a woman, something he called “miraculous.”
According to police, Wood’s gun may have jammed, which saved the lives of both survivors — an ordeal that transpired in minutes.
“This wasn’t a gun fight or struggle — this was an execution,” said Fitzpatrick. “I don’t believe he had any intention of leaving anyone alive.”
Police are not sure if Wood was under the influence of drugs at the time, but do not believe he held a grudge against the workers — he chose to rob the restaurant because he was familiar with it.
The survivors, said Fitzpatrick, especially helped with the investigation.
“They all knew who it was,” he said, describing Wood’s attempt to disguise himself as “pathetic.”
The surviving employees, said Anton, are now, “doing the best they can” after surviving the “horrific” event.
Wood, who has prior criminal history, was let go from his job at Chili’s last year and knew both victims, police said. His motive was to rob the restaurant. Money stolen has not yet been recovered, but the firearm used was.
According to Anton, Wood was arrested in Fulton at an address “he frequented.” After executing a search warrant, Wood was discovered inside the home, with several other people, and was taken into custody without a “struggle or fight.”
Wood was on the run for almost 24 hours, said Anton, and ran away from the scene on foot into the woods. While Wood is known to use a bicycle or get rides from other people, police said they still are not exactly sure how he got to Fulton.
According to Anton, more charges may be added in the case.
“The investigation was very thorough and complete,” said Fitzpatrick.
There were no surveillance cameras at Chili’s to capture the incident, but DeWitt and state police will be canvassing neighborhoods along East Genesee Street looking for anyone with cameras who may have captured anything.
Police thanked the public for its outreach following the incident, stating that many tips were received from the public in its investigation.
