SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Willie Hart, 61, of Yaphank, has been found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree following a jury trial for the killing of his girlfriend, Candace Woodruff, 37, of Texas.
According to trial evidence, Hart, a long-haul truck driver, murdered Woodruff inside the tractor cab of his truck outside the Shore Motor Inn in Patchogue during the early morning hours of May 29, 2023.
The defendant behaved cowardly and callously when he took his girlfriend’s life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I am relieved that the jury has held him responsible for his actions. I urge anyone who is in a relationship involving violence to call 911 or Suffolk County’s S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Program at (631) 853-8222.”
At approximately 2:25 a.m., Hart called 911 claiming he had found Woodruff unresponsive inside his truck. Responding officers discovered her on the ground in front of the tractor cab, not breathing. Detectives noted fresh scratches on Hart’s face, which were actively bleeding.
Woodruff was transported to Long Island Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. An autopsy by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck compression.
Video surveillance obtained from the motel revealed that Woodruff had left her room around 1:25 a.m. carrying several bags before entering the parked tractor cab. Hart was seen watching her approach before following her inside about nine minutes later.
Inside the truck, a 35-minute struggle was captured on video. When Hart exited, he appeared disheveled, was missing a necklace seen earlier, and was seen touching his face where blood was later observed. Before calling 911, Hart returned to his motel room, collected a bag, placed it in his car, and reentered the truck.
Forensic processing of the cab revealed clear signs of a violent altercation – scattered Ramen rice was found throughout the vehicle and inside Woodruff’s mouth, and jewelry belonging to both individuals was recovered from the floor.
After deliberating, a Suffolk County jury found Hart guilty on October 29, 2025, of one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. The trial was presided over by Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.
Hart is scheduled to return to court on December 3, 2025, for sentencing, where he faces a potential penalty of 25 years to life in prison.
The Suffolk County S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Program provides support, resources, and referrals for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Individuals in need of assistance can call (631) 853-8222 for confidential help.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Willie Hart, 61, of Yaphank, NY |
| Victim | Candace Woodruff, 37, of Texas |
| Incident Date | May 29, 2023 |
| Location | Shore Motor Inn, Patchogue, NY |
| Crime Scene | Tractor cab of Hart’s long-haul truck |
| Cause of Death | Asphyxia by neck compression |
| Verdict Date | October 29, 2025 |
| Charge | Murder in the Second Degree (Class A Felony) |
| Presiding Judge | Hon. Richard Ambro |
| Sentencing Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Potential Sentence | 25 years to life in prison |
| Investigating Agencies | Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office |
| Victim Support Hotline | S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Program – (631) 853-8222 |
