Published January 20, 2021
Pamela Wood was a popular Greenwood School speech therapist
WAKEFIELD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wakefield Chief of Police Steven Skory confirmed that yesterday morning’s incident at a home on Otis Street is being investigated as a homicide.
At approximately 9:55 a.m. yesterday, Wakefield police responded to a home on Otis Street to perform a well-being check after being notified that the victim, identified as Pamela Wood, 61, of Wakefield, did not show up for work at Greenwood Elementary School where she worked as a speech therapist.
The preliminary investigation suggests that when the victim did not show up for a scheduled 8:30 a.m. appointment at Greenwood School, school officials notified the victim’s family, who went to her Otis Street home but were unable to gain entrance as they did not have a key. The victim’s family members subsequently walked into the Wakefield Police Station to request assistance with a well-being check. Simultaneously, the school resource officer also went to the home to attempt to locate the victim.
Upon arrival at the home, the Wakefield Fire Department was able to gain access by prying open the back door. Police and firefighters reportedly entered the home, announced their entrance and began to clear the residence starting with the top floor. Wakefield firefighters on scene proceeded to the basement level of the home and located the victim deceased with severe trauma and called for backup.
Multiple officers proceeded downstairs, continuing to announce their presence. At that time, the suspect, identified as the victim’s son Timothy Martin, 23, of Manchester, NH — who did not reside in the home and reportedly was not expected to be there — allegedly emerged running toward officers while in possession of a knife that he was holding above his head. Two Wakefield officers discharged their guns striking the victim. The officers performed life-saving efforts on scene and Mr. Martin was transported to Lahey Hospital in Burlington where he is currently in custody. Charges are expected to be filed and an arraignment will be scheduled at a later date.
Five Wakefield Police officers received treatment at area hospitals but did not sustain serious injuries.
The two unidentified officers who fired their service weapons have been placed on administrative leave per department policy.
This is an open and going investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police assigned to that office and Wakefield Police. Police said that it was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the general public.
Police Chief Steven Skory said there is no prior history of domestic abuse at Wood’s house, nor any prior restraining order history. The son has no prior criminal record, officials said.
School Superintendent Doug Lyons’ office sent an email to the families of all Wakefield students.
“It is with great sadness that we are reaching out,” the message from Lyons and the administrative team read. “Today we were devastated to learn of the sudden loss of one of our colleagues, Pamela Wood. Pam was a beloved staff member at the Greenwood School and Doyle Early Childhood Center and a vibrant and integral part of the Wakefield Public Schools Community. Pam worked with many students and families over the years in her role as a Speech and Language Pathologist. She will be missed by students, families and staff alike. Our hearts go out to her family during this tremendously difficult time.
“Our administrative team is working together to plan communication, counseling support, and resources to assist our students and staff. Counseling support will be on site at the Greenwood School today, Thursday and Friday.”
