LOCKPORT, N.Y. — A Buffalo Police officer has been formally indicted on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Alexis Skoczylas. Lance Woods was arraigned in Niagara County Court before Judge Carolyn Wojtaszek, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has sent ripples through the Western New York law enforcement community.
The case is being handled by the New York State Attorney General’s office, a standard procedure when criminal proceedings involve a police officer. During the arraignment, prosecutors alleged that the fatal incident occurred on February 14 inside the couple’s Sanborn residence. The shooting reportedly followed a domestic argument after Skoczylas informed Woods of her intention to end their relationship.
The prosecution’s account paints a harrowing picture of the events. Woods is accused of shooting the 35-year-old Skoczylas in the head, failing to contact emergency medical services, and subsequently attempting to clean the crime scene to obscure evidence. The victim’s body was eventually discovered by Lewiston Police in the early hours of February 15, after her mother grew concerned when she could not reach her daughter.
Case Overview: People v. Lance Woods
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Lance Woods (Buffalo Police Officer) |
| Victim | Alexis Skoczylas |
| Primary Charge | Murder in the Second Degree |
| Incident Date | February 14 |
| Location | Sanborn, Niagara County |
Following the arraignment, Woods was denied bail. He is currently being held at the Orleans County Jail, a relocation necessitated by the fact that his former wife previously worked at the Niagara County Jail facility. For more updates on this and other regional developments, visit our local news section.
The Buffalo Police Department has moved swiftly regarding Woods’ employment status, suspending him without pay effective February 16. However, the investigation has expanded beyond the officer himself. An unidentified Buffalo Police captain has also been suspended with pay pending an internal review. The department confirmed that the captain had several conversations with Woods at the D-District station prior to the discovery of Skoczylas’ body.
The Buffalo Police Department has since released a comprehensive timeline of the events leading up to the arrest, as internal investigators look into whether departmental protocols were breached during those initial hours. This story continues to develop as regional authorities and community advocates weigh in on the implications of domestic violence within the ranks of law enforcement.
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