Cartersville Murders - Part 1

April 25, 1990. In a quiet wooded area just outside Cartersville, Georgia, a coworker of Robert “Monty” Woody drove to his home after he failed to show up for work. Monty, a well-liked and dependable mechanic, wasn’t answering his phone, and by noon, his absence was raising concerns.

What the coworker found inside the home on 35 Old Rudy York Road was something out of a nightmare.

Recent photo of the Woody residence.

Just inside the front door, under a sheet, lay the body of Patricia “Ann” Woody. In the bedroom, Monty had also been killed. Both had been stabbed, and Patricia had also been strangled.

Over three decades later, their murders remain unsolved. True-crime broadcasts have revealed few clues.

What We Know About the Crime Scene

The crime scene immediately raised more questions than answers.

• There were no signs of forced entry. Did Monty and Patricia know their killer? Were they lured into a trap or did they willingly let someone inside?

• Monty was found in the bedroom, suggesting he was trying to escape or retrieve something. A weapon? A phone? Did he fight back?

• Patricia was strangled and stabbed. Strangulation is often a sign of a personal attack rather than a random crime.

  
  

And then, there was the most bizarre clue of all.

The Mysterious Note

At the scene, police found a handwritten note addressed to Monty that read:

“Monty. I’ve decided to leave early. Sorry I couldn’t say bye. Thanks for helping me (and) I wish you luck!”

The meaning of this note has never been fully explained. Investigators still don’t know who wrote it.

• Did Monty and Patricia have someone staying with them?

• Was this person trying to escape something or someone?

• Could this note be the key to understanding their murders?

The Theories Begin

Over the years, various theories have emerged about why Monty and Patricia were killed. Some believe it was a personal dispute that turned violent. Others speculate they may have been helping someone in danger—possibly someone who had an enemy willing to kill to silence them.

What we don’t know is why the case has remained unsolved for over 30 years.

Why This Case Still Matters

Many cold cases fade from public memory, but in Cartersville, people still talk about the Woody murders. Some claim that the investigation was mishandled. Others believe that someone in the community knows the truth—but hasn’t spoken up out of fear.

The fact remains: Monty and Patricia Woody deserve justice.

What’s Next?

In the next post, we’ll take a deeper look at one of the biggest controversies surrounding this case:

• What happened to the evidence?

• Why were critical items removed or destroyed?

• Did law enforcement truly lose key DNA evidence—or is there more to the story?

  
  

What do you think? Could this note be the key to solving the mystery?

Comment with your thoughts, and let’s start a real discussion.