Former Employee Murders His Colleagues at Chili’s

Stephen Gudknect (left), and Kristopher Hicks (right), were murdered on Sept. 15, 2018, at the Chili's restaurant in DeWitt by former co-worker William Wood Jr. | Syracuse

After clocking out on September 15, 2018, a 37-year-old Chili’s manager, Stephen Gudknecht headed out of the building with three of his co-workers. It was around midnight on a Saturday, and they were exhausted from working that night.

A chain-link fence surrounded the exit to help protect employees when they leave at night. However, the lock had broken years ago, leaving the area easily accessible. This meant it was easy for anyone to slip through the gate and threaten the four employees with a weapon which is exactly what happened.

A man approached the group, pulled out a gun, and called out the employees by their names, then ordered them to go back inside.

Despite the fact that their attacker wore a mask, the employees instantly recognized him – it was their former co-worker, William Wood. Later in the case, it came out that William’s so-called “disguise” wasn’t much of a disguise at all. According to the employees, they recognized his voice and mannerisms right away, with the district attorney even describing his attempt to hide as “pathetic.”

Once they were back inside Chili’s, William demanded that the manager – Stephen Gudknecht, open the safe and hand over all the money. Stephen complied, but to William’s disappointment, there was only $875 in the safe.