http://kdka.com/national/Christopher.Wood.Francis.2.990442.html
Apr 21, 2009 4:00 pm US/Eastern
Mom, Kids Almost Decapitated In Md. Murder-Suicide
MIDDLETOWN, Md. (CBS) ¯
A Frederick County grandfather discovered his daughter, her husband and his three young grandchildren murdered after breaking down the door of their home.
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Police have released details about how a Frederick mother and three children were killed before the father killed himself.
Police say Christopher Wood, 34, killed his 33-year-old wife Francie Billotti-Wood and their children, 5-year-old Chandler, 4-year-old Gavin and 2-year-old Fiona Thursday night while they were sleeping in their bed.
CBS station WJZ-TV's Derek Valcourt reports their throats were slashed almost to the point of decapitation.
Francie and one son were shot twice in the head, another son was shot three times in the head and the daughter was shot once in the head.
Police say Christopher Wood stayed awake after killing them.
A babysitter showed up Friday morning to finalize some plans to babysit for the family that night.
Police believe Christopher Wood killed himself sometime after that. The bodies were found Saturday by the children's grandfather.
Police recovered the pistol used in the killings of the family members and the shot gun Christopher Wood used to kill himself. Police also found a knife and hand pruning saw.
Police now say there were six notes left behind. One went to each of his children, one to his wife and one to his mother and extended family members. There was also an actual suicide note.
"If he had his problems fine, but why take the children, why take her?" said Barbara Lavely, neighbor.
Police can confirm Christopher Wood had several financial debts, including a home in Jacksonville, Fla. that had not been sold. He also had severe credit card debt. The family was $460,000 in debt. He made $97,000 a year at his job at CSX Railroad.
Police believe Christopher Wood was suffering from depression for most of his life.
The toxicology reports are still out, but they have found some generic forms of Xanax, Paxil and two other anti-depressants in the house.
Funeral services for the family will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Community.