The Case of Alex Woodworth

The Misery Machine

This week, Drewby and Yergy head to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to discuss the case of Alexander Lehman Sidney Woodworth, known as Alex to his family and friends. Alex was an intelligent young man with a bright future. He graduated from Osceola High School in 2012 with excellent grades and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in philosophy and biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2017. When he wasn't studying, Alex worked as a barista at Racy D'Lenes Coffee Lounge in downtown Eau Claire, and as a tutor on his college campus. He also taught a few philosophy classes at a local high school. Alex aspired to become a philosophy professor at the University of Oregon and had received an offer to study a masters in philosophy at the college.

Alex did have a bright future ahead of him until he met Ezra McCandless in 2017. Ezra and her boyfriend, Jason, were regulars at Racy D'Lenes Coffee Lounge. Alex and Ezra grew close, and soon, engaged in an affair while Jason was away for two weeks taking part in military training. During this time, Ezra also had an affair with Jason's best friend, John Hansen. Shortly after, she called Jason and claimed John had assaulted her while she was drunk.

Ezra continued her infidelity even after Jason's return from the military. However, he soon discovered her secret relationship with Alex.

According to reports, Alex had a big heart and was manipulated by Ezra into keeping quiet about their affair. As a result, Jason subsequently ended his relationship with Ezra. Allegedly, she "had fire in her eyes" and was furious with Alex, who she believed had caused the breakup by telling Jason about their secret relationship. Around the same time, Alex was interviewed by police and told them Ezra said she willingly had an intimate affair with John. His statement caused the police to drop her case, which only intensified the anger Ezra felt toward Alex.

In a desperate attempt to win Jason back, Ezra claimed that the, as she described them, “manipulative and vindictive men in her life” had tried to take her away from him, and that their influence was the reason she had cheated, not her own actions. Jason, unconvinced, kicked Ezra out of his apartment, and she moved back home to live with her family.

On March 22, 2018, Ezra surprised her ex-boyfriend Jason by showing up unexpectedly at Racy's. Despite having sent Jason over 600 text messages the night before, she claimed she had not come to see him but to show Alex some journal entries she had written. In reality, she hoped to manipulate Alex into admitting he had lied about their affair, so Jason would consider taking her back.

Ezra was recorded on the coffee shop's security camera, visibly agitated, after her plan to win Jason back failed. Alex had left work and headed back to his home. Ezra went after him in her car, and Jason followed her on his bike, feeling concerned for Alex's safety. Sadly, Jason's fears were correct...

⭐Everyone deserves healthy relationships. If you, or someone you know is in danger, please call 1-800-799-SAFE, text "START" to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org/. All services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. When you are ready, they are there to listen⭐

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Source Material:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188320286/alexander_lehman_sidney-woodworth

https://www.grandstrandfh.com/obituaries/Alexander-LS-Woodworth?obId=3041000#:~:text=Alexander%20Lehman%20Sidney%20Woodworth%20age,and%20graduated%20class%20of%202012

https://www.tributebook.com/domains/ead24fc1-9cc6-4ce6-938e-a2450098fd9e/obituaries/3041000/book?utm_source=www.grandstrandfh.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=obit_event_view_book#

https://www.tributebook.com/domains/ead24fc1-9cc6-4ce6-938e-a2450098fd9e/obituaries/3041000/book?utm_source=www.grandstrandfh.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=obit_event_view_book#

https://www.courttv.com/trials/wi-v-mccandless-2019/#:~:text=Prosecutors%20claim%20McCandless%20stabbed%20Woodworth,prison%20for%20first%2Ddegree%20murder.

https://www.weau.com/content/news/UPDATE-Bond-set-in-Dunn-Co-homicide-case-478204203.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ezra-mccandless-alex-woodworth-murder-sentencing-why-was-the-word-boy-carved-into-the-arm-of-accused-killer/

https://www.weau.com/2023/11/10/woman-convicted-dunn-county-homicide-denied-new-trial/?outputType=amp

https://www.courttv.com/news/wi-v-mccandless-timeline-of-events/

https://www.courttv.com/trials/wi-v-mccandless-2019/

https://www.dewittmedia.com/2018/08/28/attorney-files-motion-to-suppress-statements-made-by-suspect-in-spring-brook-homicide/

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pictures/ezra-mccandless-murder-investigation-photos/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHSs15Btgf/?igsh=cHY3bjdkcjFhaXU5

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEKXzbLBHv0/?igsh=MThjMnp3a3NkYWZrdw==

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOyHvohsyk/?igsh=Ym4xcDB2czY4endy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVd3MypvUi4