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Residents press city for transparency after killing of Marcella Woodard; council urged to press DA and State Police
Summary
Multiple residents urged Erie City Council to press prosecutors and state agencies to release the name and disciplinary record of a Pennsylvania parole officer they say shot and killed Marcella Woodard on July 2, and asked council to demand regular updates and body‑camera transparency.
A series of residents used the council’s public comment period to demand transparency and accountability after what speakers described as the July 2 shooting death of Marcella Woodard by a Pennsylvania state parole officer.
Chanel, speaking as a concerned resident, said the officer’s name has not been released and told council she believes body‑camera footage is not available because state legislators have not funded cameras for parole agents. “We have the right to know who this officer is,” she told council, and asked the council to call on the district attorney, the Department of Corrections and the State Police to release the officer’s name and disciplinary history.
Other speakers — including Deontay Quilly, Michael Woodard (family), Zachary Sharif and several community members who identified themselves as friends or relatives — said the lack of public information has eroded trust and left the community feeling ignored. “I feel ignored. I feel disrespected,” Deontay Quilly said, and urged the council to apply pressure on prosecuting authorities to release information.
Speakers acknowledged that criminal investigations may be led by county or state agencies outside the council’s direct control but repeatedly asked council to advocate for the family and for public disclosure. Several council members and staff commented that they were making calls and continuing behind‑the‑scenes conversations with investigative agencies. Council President Witherspoon and other members urged the investigative bodies to provide timelines and regular public updates where possible; Witherspoon said, “The longer you wait, the more restless the community gets.”
No formal council action was recorded in the meeting minutes on this topic; residents and several council members said advocacy would continue. Speakers also urged broader policy changes such as mandatory body cameras for parole agents and more proactive public communication about investigation steps.
