Residents press Erie County Council for answers in Marcello 'Cello' Woodard killing, urge funding and accountability

Scores of Erie residents used the county-council public-comment period on Nov. 20 to demand answers and accountability in the July killing of Marcello "Cello" Woodard and to press for brighter community investment.

Mimi O'Connor, who identified herself as a city of Erie resident, opened the comments for Justice for Cello and said, "I'm here for justice for Cello" and that "It's been 141 days since his murder," urging persistent pressure on officials. Jerry Roberts, also speaking for Justice for Cello, told the district attorney "A charge of manslaughter is not acceptable by our community. A charge of first degree murder is." Roberts also tied demands for justice to budget priorities and said funds promised for equity-related initiatives should be honored.

Other speakers described fear and grief. Shamelle Henderson, who identified herself as Woodard's girlfriend, said the holidays will be her first without him: "This grief hurts... I gotta spend my Thanksgiving without Cello." Young people and parents spoke of eroded trust in parole officers and other law enforcement; Deanna Chatfield said youth are "scared to go and talk to a parole officer" after the killing.

Speakers also linked the call for justice to broader inequities — requests for full funding for the county's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) and for community organizations including Black Wall Street and local community centers were raised by several commenters and reiterated on the council floor. Residents urged town halls and more responsive local engagement rather than expecting community members to always travel to council chambers.

Council members acknowledged the comments during the meeting; several asked for continued civic participation and for staff to follow up on budget allocations that affect the neighborhoods speakers described. No formal prosecutorial update was given on the case during the session. The county-council clerk kept a public record of each comment during the hearing.

What residents said (representative quotes) - "It's been 141 days since his murder," — Mimi O'Connor, resident of the city of Erie. - "A charge of manslaughter is not acceptable by our community. A charge of first degree murder is," — Jerry Roberts, Justice for Cello. - "This grief hurts... I gotta spend my Thanksgiving without Cello," — Shamelle Henderson, girlfriend of Marcello Woodard.

What’s next Speakers urged continued public demonstrations and town halls. Council members and staff did not announce a prosecutorial action at the meeting; attendees asked the council to pursue funding and transparency steps that could address longer-term community trust issues.