Homicide probe expands
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STAFF REPORT - Published: July 7, 2009
WOODSTOCK — The State Police Search and Rescue team joined the investigation Monday into the homicide of a Woodstock woman.
The team, along with Lyndonville Police Chief Jack T. Harris and his bloodhound, searched the area surrounding 703 Curtis Road where Raynetta Woodward, 79, was found dead in her home Wednesday. Woodward's death was ruled a homicide Thursday.
According to affidavits, her body was hidden beneath a pile of clothing and there was a large amount of fresh blood throughout the residence.
Also on Thursday, Charles H. Haynes Jr., 51, a transient residing in the Bridgewater area, pleaded innocent in White River Junction District Court to a felony charge of unlawful trespass, as well as felony charges of burglary and burglary of an occupied dwelling related to a pair of alleged incidents in Bridgewater earlier this month.
Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, while investigating Woodward's death, police received word that Haynes — known locally as "Punky" — had just called a friend looking for a ride, affidavits state, and police traced the number to another house on Curtis Hollow Road believed to be unoccupied. When they arrived, they found the rear door ajar and later located Haynes in a field behind the house, records state.
Affidavits state that police interviewed a Bridgewater resident who said it was common knowledge that Haynes had been entering homes in the area during the past few months and stealing money and food. His burglary charges appear to stem from the alleged thefts from residences on Center and Hale Hollow roads, according to court documents.
Police have referred to Haynes as a person of interest, but neither he nor anyone else has been charged in Woodward's death.
Haynes continues to be held at Springfield Prison on $50,000 bail, according to the Department of Corrections.
Police are looking for anyone who might have seen or had contact with Haynes on Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police Royalton Barracks at 234-9933.