The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced this past week that Willie Hart, 61, of Yaphank, has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Candace Woodruff, 37.
As established in trial evidence, Hart, a long-haul trucker, called police at approximately 2:25 a.m. on May 29th, 2023, claiming he had found Woodruff unresponsive on the floor of his tractor cab, which was parked near the Shore Motor Inn in Patchogue.
When officers arrived, Woodruff was discovered on the ground outside the cab, not breathing. Police immediately observed bleeding scratches on Hart’s face.
Medical staff and investigators documented extensive injuries on Woodruff, including facial and neck abrasions, soft tissue hemorrhaging, head and neck contusions. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by asphyxia due to neck compression.
Surveillance footage revealed Woodruff had no visible injuries when she arrived at the motel. At 1:25 a.m., she was seen leaving her motel room with several bags and entering Hart’s tractor cab. Hart was captured watching her walk toward the cab before entering nine minutes later. The two remained inside for roughly 35 minutes, during which surveillance recorded signs of a struggle.
After exiting, Hart was seen touching the same area of his face where police later documented bleeding. He returned to the motel room, retrieved a bag, placed it in a vehicle, and re-entered the cab—now missing a necklace he had been wearing earlier—before finally calling 9-1-1.
Investigators found the cab in disarray, covered in Ramen rice, some of which was later recovered from Woodruff’s mouth. Jewelry consistent with items worn by both Hart and Woodruff was also found inside.
Hart was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree on October 29th and formally sentenced on December 3rd.
“The powerful victim impact statement made in court today by Candace Woodruff’s mother is a painful testament to the irreparable harm the defendant has caused,” said DA Ray Tierney.
“We hope that today’s sentence brings Candace’s family some semblance of peace.”