Nationwide — The Erie County District Legal professional’s Workplace is urging the general public to stay affected person because it investigates the deadly taking pictures of Marchello Woodard, a neighborhood resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, killed by a state parole agent. District Legal professional Elizabeth Hirz has vowed full transparency whereas sustaining the integrity of the continuing investigation, emphasizing {that a} thorough and neutral evaluate is underway. The incident occurred on July 2, and the Erie County Coroner has formally dominated the loss of life a murder following an post-mortem performed on July 3.
The district legal professional has defined that the time period “murder” merely signifies that Woodard’s loss of life was attributable to one other particular person, and doesn’t suggest any authorized conclusions or prison determinations. She acknowledged the neighborhood’s want for readability however emphasised the necessity for an entire and cautious investigation earlier than any choices are made concerning potential costs.
The sister and cousins of Marchello sat down with Erie Information Now to voice their frustrations with the lack of know-how and solutions they’ve obtained from legislation enforcement officers. “It is vitally disappointing as a result of I do know if it was an everyday civilian that shot an agent, it will be blown up and all the things could be out for the general public,” mentioned Snowie Crosby, Woodard’s sister.
“He wished to make a optimistic change in the neighborhood, he was very enthusiastic about that, after which to have that finish in such a tragic method, and we nonetheless would not have any solutions, that’s what is irritating,” mentioned Jerry Roberts, Woodard’s cousin.
“He cherished his household, he was a household man, and something you wished, he would offer you,” mentioned Desiree Hasberry, Woodard’s cousin.
In keeping with Pennsylvania State Police in Erie, the taking pictures passed off as state parole brokers had been performing compliance checks across the metropolis. The brokers approached Woodard whereas he was sitting in a parked automobile on East twenty seventh Road. Authorities declare that when Woodard tried to drive off, one of many brokers, who had grabbed onto the car, opened fireplace whereas being dragged.
Erie Law enforcement officials, who had been close by on the time, responded swiftly and supplied medical help. Woodard was transported to UPMC Hamot hospital however was later pronounced lifeless. The District Legal professional’s Workplace, in collaboration with the Erie County Detectives and Pennsylvania State Police, is gathering statements, video footage, and forensic proof associated to the taking pictures.
In a public assertion, the District Legal professional has reiterated that the evaluate will probably be unbiased and primarily based strictly on info and proof. She emphasised that accountability and justice are prime priorities for her workplace and promised that any choices concerning prison costs will probably be made in accordance with the legislation, as soon as all info has been reviewed.
She concluded by assuring residents that her workplace understands the gravity of the state of affairs and the impression it has had on the neighborhood. Whereas some particulars will not be instantly launched, updates will probably be supplied when acceptable, and the investigation will proceed with a dedication to equity, transparency, and neighborhood belief.
