Community demands answers and action after death of Marcello Woodard

Dozens of Erie residents spoke at City Council on July 16 demanding transparency and accountability after the death of Marcello Woodard following contact with a state parole agent.

Speakers said the family and community have received insufficient information from law-enforcement agencies and the district attorney’s office. “All we want is something to happen. That’s all we want. Justice for Cello,” said Terry Roberts, who identified himself as a cousin of Woodard. Multiple speakers called for arrest and prosecution of those responsible and urged council members to use their platforms to press state officials for information.

The public outcry began during the meeting’s public comment period and prompted council to temporarily waive rules to allow extended community remarks. Many speakers described deep distrust of local and state law-enforcement processes and highlighted perceived disparities in how investigations proceed when victims are Black. Kennedy Horton, a resident, said the community has “witnessed a public lynching” and accused officials of dragging their feet. Several speakers called for a civilian police oversight or review board; others asked the city to press the district attorney to release evidence and to accelerate arrests if probable cause exists.

Family members and close friends addressed the council directly. Michael Woodard, who identified himself as a family member, asked elected officials to “support us” and to apply pressure on the county and state agencies handling the case. Malcolm Pulliam, an East Side resident, said people in the crowd “want an indictment today” and pressed for immediate action.

Other speakers with law-enforcement or legal experience urged careful, thorough investigations so prosecutions cannot be overturned. Michelle Dover Shaw, who said she has worked in corrections and has observed use-of-force policies, told the council she had reviewed released video frames and called for factual, legally sound work by investigators. Selena King, who said she serves as Northwest regional representative for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, urged council members to press the DA and state police for transparency and referenced state Act 53 of 2023 on criminal justice transparency in framing the request.

Council President Mel Witherspoon told speakers the council “mourn[s] with you” and said members would amplify community concerns to other officials whose jurisdictions handle criminal investigations. Witherspoon and several council members said their power to compel evidence in a state or county criminal investigation is limited, but they announced plans to request meetings with the district attorney and state police and to consider a letter from council seeking transparency and answers.

The meeting included vocal chants of “Justice for Cello” from attendees and repeated calls from speakers that the city use any influence it has to press for an open, thorough investigation and timely public updates. Council members agreed to continue receiving community input and indicated they would pursue follow-up correspondence and meetings with state officials.

The council did not take a formal vote to order an inquiry into the criminal investigation; council members said the authority to conduct criminal prosecutions rests with the district attorney and state police. Several speakers warned that continued silence would deepen community frustration and could lead to further demonstrations.