In what should have been a routine child custody exchange, a tragic and violent series of events unfolded in Utica, New York, on the evening of April 2, 2024, leading to the death of 22-year-old Sara Doody. A former romantic partner, 26-year-old Donte Green, was identified as the suspect in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide. The incident occurred at a residence on Kingston Road where an argument between the former couple escalated with fatal consequences.
Sara Doody, a
white female, had recently moved out of the home she once shared with Green and his grandfather. During the custody exchange of their two-year-old daughter, a dispute erupted. In the ensuing chaos, Green shot Doody multiple times, resulting in her death at the scene. His 77-year-old grandfather was also wounded by gunfire when he attempted to intervene. Fortunately, the young child of Doody and Green was found unharmed.
Utica Police responded to reports of gunfire around 7:30 p.m. and were met with immediate danger. Upon their arrival, Green fired a long rifle at the officers before retreating into a neighboring house. As law enforcement secured the area, Green took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation concluded that Green was the sole perpetrator in the murder of Sara Doody.
Those who knew Sara Doody remember her as a kind and gentle person with a radiant spirit. She dedicated her professional life to helping children in need, working at the House of Good Shepherd where she cared for young people who lacked family support. Her sudden and violent death has left her family, friends, and the community to mourn the loss of a woman described as a ray of sunshine with a giant heart.
