While police try to piece together the motive behind Brandon Woodard’s professional “hit” style death, new details about his background could help investigators come up with a complete picture.
DETAILS: 411 On Brandon Lincoln Woodward, Midtown NYC Shooting Victim
The New York Post reports that NY police have apprehended a suspect, who is now in custody, in the brutal murder, but there are several persons of interest in the case. They have also pointed to drugs as a possible motive. The post reports that Woodard could have been lured to the spot where he was shot by text message or a phone call:
He is believed to have walked past the getaway car on West 58th Street and the driver pointed him out to the gunman, the source said.
The victim then reversed direction and walked back towards his assailant after receiving a text message or call, and the shooter then crept behind him, the source said.
The shooter didn’t pause or panic as he turned and left Woodward to die in a pool of his own blood – he simply got into a waiting Lincoln MKX getaway car and fled the scene.
Police found the car, which was a rental, in Queens on Wednesday and talked to the couple who had rented it. The Post reports that detectives don’t believe the two were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but may have loaned it to the assassins.
Authorities have yet to figure out the connection between Woodard and his killer, but details about his life are confusing both the public and police. According to the New York Times, a friend of Woodard said that he lived a “Batman-ish life,” commenting on his dark side and his privileged upbringing:
Woodard grew up in privilege in Los Angeles. His mother, Sandra Wellington owns the once-successful United International Mortgage. Other family members are well-connected lawyers and entrepreneurs, the New York Times reports.
Mrs Wellington is married to the ex-boyfriend of former soap star Tonya Pinkins, who claims the family is involved in criminal business dealings.
Ms Pinkins, who starred in ‘All My Child’ and won a Tony award for ‘Jelly’s Last Jam,’ says the murder could be connected to Mrs Wellington, according to Showbiz 411.
Woodard’s web of Hollywood connections, including movie stars and athletes, (he reportedly even got in a scuffle with one of Usher’s bodyguards), is baffling officials, but what’s even more confusing is his criminal record, riddled with robbery, cocaine possession and battery. Despite his pedigree, Woodard reportedly could not stay out of trouble and had been arrested more than 20 times.
Here, the Daily Mail highlights some interesting facts about his life, that may help puzzled police decide why Woodward was shot:
Woodard attended the private Campbell Hall high school, where he was a star basketball player.
He was a member of the exclusive invitation-only Jack and Jill of America society, which caters to upper-class black families.
For college, he went to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, a $55,000-per-year private school.
Family members say he was a second-year law student at the University of West Los Angeles School of Law, another private school.
In college, he drove a Range Rover, friends told the Times.
More recently, he had his eye on buying a Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, a luxury car with a base price of $153,000.
Friends say he worked as a party and nightclub promoter.
At clubs he threw around large chunks of money on expensive booze and private tables – partying with actors and athletes.
However, beneath the seemingly charmed life, friends say, Woodard has a darker side. He continued to party hard into his 30s, even as his friends began to settle down. Woodard also has a five-year-old daughter.
In the summer, Mrs Wellington’s company, United International Mortgage, had its lending power revoked by California regulators. The company is also the target of numerous lawsuits alleging fraud and breach of contract.
DETAILS: WTF! Man Shot In Midtown Manhattan In Broad Daylight!
We’re not sure if any of these things are connected, but we hope police find the suspects involved.
SOURCE: The Daily News/The New York Times
