The murder of Katherine Woods was a significant shock for New York City. The case captured the attention of many individuals.
This case serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating outcomes of envy and the capriciousness of human actions.
As Katherine Woods’ family and friends continue to grieve her passing, her memory and the pursuit of justice endure.
To learn more about this case, including details about the OSU dance scholarship established in Woods’ honor, watch “New York Homicide,” airing Saturdays at 9/8c on Oxygen or stream episodes on the Oxygen app.
The Katherine Woods Murder Case
At the age of 17, Catherine Woods boldly departed her Ohio residence to journey to New York City in pursuit of her dream to perform on Broadway.
In 2008, she embarked on this remarkable journey with a heart brimming with hope and determination. On November 27, 2005, Catherine’s roommate, David Haughn, called 911 in distress.
During the call, he recounted the horrifying and devastating scene he had stumbled upon in their Upper East Side apartment, a scene stained with blood and Catherine’s lifeless body.
A Shocking Discovery
Upon reaching the crime scene, authorities discovered a chilling display of violence.
According to retired NYPD detective Steven Goetz, Catherine Woods had been stabbed approximately 15 times, and her neck bore deep lacerations.
Evidence of a struggle was apparent in the small apartment, with the mattress in the bedroom positioned on the floor, impeding the efforts of emergency medical services.
Retired first-grade detective Thomas Ryan described the force used in the attack as an indication of intense rage and aggression directed at Catherine.
The Roommate’s Background
David Haughn, a 23-year-old aspiring rapper and doorman, had a lengthy history with Katherine Woods.
Their relationship had evolved from friendship to romance and eventually to cohabitation.
Both individuals struggled to make ends meet, leading them to continue living together out of necessity and familiarity.
Investigators promptly interviewed Haughn, who vehemently denied any involvement in the murder.
However, suspicions arose when a bloody shoe print matching Haughn’s size ten and a half shoes was discovered at the crime scene.
The Initial Focus of the Investigators
Due to his connection with Katherine and the presence of the bloody shoe print, David Haughn became the primary focus of the investigation.
During a thorough interview lasting several hours, Haughn maintained his innocence, providing detectives with a timeline of his activities during Catherine’s murder.
He asserted that he had left the apartment for approximately 20 minutes to retrieve his car and transport Catherine to the club where she worked.
Haughn also mentioned that he made a stop to see his co-workers and briefly visited his workplace as a doorman.
However, doubts were cast on the accuracy of his timeline by investigators. Additionally, Haughn revealed that Catherine was involved with another man, Paul Cortez.
Involvement of Paul Cortez
Paul Cortez, a 24-year-old yoga instructor and aspiring actor, had been in a relationship with Katherine Woods for a year.
When questioned about his whereabouts on the day of the murder, Cortez stated that he had spent the entire day grocery shopping at various stores and then watched football with friends in the evening before returning home.
Cortez expressed concern about being unable to contact Catherine, citing her apprehensions about a potential stalker named Joe.
Detectives pursued leads related to Joe but found no evidence linking him to the murder.
The Search for Proof
An aspiring actor and yoga instructor named Paul Cortez, 24, had been involved with Katherine Woods for a year.
When questioned about his whereabouts on the day of Katherine Woods’ murder, Cortez stated that he had spent the entire day grocery shopping at various locations, followed by an evening of watching football with friends before returning home.
Surprisingly, the handprint did not match David Haughn’s fingerprints, which he had willingly provided earlier.
However, investigators encountered a setback when they realized they were unable to compare the handprint to Paul Cortez’s fingerprints.
Upon leaving the initial interrogation, Cortez and his family hired a lawyer, preventing the retrieval of his fingerprints.
Alternative Routes for Evidence
Unable to obtain Cortez’s fingerprints, investigators explored alternative methods to bolster their case.
They revisited the friends with whom Cortez had watched football on the night of the murder.
One friend noted that it was uncharacteristic of Cortez to engage in such activities, potentially suggesting an attempt to establish an alibi.
Further doubts arose when Cortez’s bandmates revealed that he had failed to attend rehearsal, an unusual occurrence for him.
In a pivotal move, investigators secured a warrant for Cortez’s cell phone records in an effort to pinpoint his whereabouts on November 27.
Records indicated that Cortez lived just 30 blocks from the crime scene, and his calls to Catherine that day were traced back to a tower near the apartment.
Worryingly, his calls ceased after 6 p.m., aligning with the estimated time of the murder. However, without Cortez’s fingerprints, the case came to a standstill.
A Breakthrough in the Katherine Woods Murder Case
A critical breakthrough occurred when a woman, after reading about the Katherine Woods murder, bravely stepped forward and reported that Paul Cortez had sexually assaulted her a year prior to Katherine’s murder.
This new development led to Cortez’s arrest, enabling investigators to obtain his fingerprints.
As retired NYPD detective Michael Aherne recollects, when he entered the room where Cortez was held, the accused wore an expression of sheer terror.
Cortez’s fingerprint matched the print found on the apartment wall, and detectives further bolstered their case by confirming that his size ten and a half Skechers shoes matched the shoe prints at the crime scene.
The Conviction and Punishment
Paul Cortez was apprehended on December 19, 2005, and charged with the murder of Katherine Woods.
He was ultimately found guilty of second-degree murder on February 15, 2007, specifically charged with “slashing her throat,” according to The New York Times.
Cortez received a sentence of 25 years to life from the court. Despite the conviction, authorities remain unable to ascertain the motive behind the victim’s killing.
