Brother Of Slain Rocklin Teen Speaks Out

ROCKLIN (CBS13) - It's been seven days since a Rocklin girl was allegedly killed by her 14-year-old brother inside of her home. Now, Ashley Wood's brother is breaking his silence to "clear up rumors."

"She's one of the reasons that I've never given up," said Austin Wood, Ashley Wood's 22-year-old brother.

"She was smart, she was funny, she was my best friend," said Austin, getting emotional while on the phone speaking to Kaitlin Lewis with KFBK News.

According to Police, Ashley's mother found her body inside the family home last week. Police say the star gymnast and former Sierra Elementary school student died of blunt force trauma to the head. Police found her brother in a field 40 minutes later. He's been charged with the murder.

"He struggled, really. He had occupational therapy. He was bullied," said Austin Wood.

Austin says his younger brother was a "good boy", and continued to say he doesn't understand why his brother would do this.
Austin says he's frustrated with the gossip and rumors that have circulated online.

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"They think they know about my family, and they don't," said Austin.

Austin's father, Jeff Wood, works in the Placer County District Attorney's office. To avoid a conflict of interest, the court case is now being handled by the Attorney General's office.

"I just want to get some facts straight," said Austin.

The suspect is being held in the Placer County Juvenile Detention Facility. He's due in court on September 9. It's possible a judge will then decide whether he'll be tried as an adult.