Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Md. Man Who Killed Family Was $460K in Debt

Father detailed mortgage, credit card woes in notes

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2009 2:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Maryland man who murdered his family before shooting and killing himself complained of his financial troubles in notes left at the scene, the Washington Post reports. Christopher Wood’s family was at least $460,000 in debt from two mortgages and credit card charges. The family owned a Florida home that had been foreclosed, police said.

Wood, 34, killed his wife and three children with gunshots to the head before slashing their throats, officials said. He left six separate notes, four addressed to his wife and children, one to his mother, father and sister, and another that police describe as a suicide note. "If you have built your identity around that you're the breadwinner, you're the backbone, and that becomes unglued, it undermines your sense of self," said a family-violence expert.

Law enforcement officials stand outside a home where authorities say a couple and their three children died in an apparent murder-suicide, Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Middletown, Md.
Law enforcement officials stand outside a home where authorities say a couple and their three children died in an apparent murder-suicide, Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Middletown, Md.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins answers questions about a couple and their three children who died in an apparent murder-suicide, Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Middletown, Md.
Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins answers questions about a couple and their three children who died in an apparent murder-suicide, Saturday, April 18, 2009, in Middletown, Md.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
This aerial photo shows the house at 13 Washington St. in Middletown, Md. where the Frederick County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of five bodies.
This aerial photo shows the house at 13 Washington St. in Middletown, Md. where the Frederick County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of five bodies.   (AP Photo/The Frederick News-Post, Travis S. Pratt)
A Frederick County Sheriff's deputy prepares to enter a house in Middletown, Md. on Saturday, April 18, 2009 where five bodies were found.
A Frederick County Sheriff's deputy prepares to enter a house in Middletown, Md. on Saturday, April 18, 2009 where five bodies were found.   (AP Photo/The Frederick News-Post, Sam Yu)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 23, 2009 11:10 AM CDT
Buy a gun on credit?
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 22, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
As predicted.

More Newser Stories

Police Find Papers Powell Dumped Before Killing Boys

Powell Told Sons He Had 'Big Surprise' for Them

US Soldiers Charged in Comrade's Death

New Theory: Van Gogh Was Murdered

Housing Market Will Stink Through 2015


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne