New York State Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that Buffalo Police Department (BPD) officer Lance Woods, 53, was arrested and arraigned on a second-degree murder charge, according to a recent press release. Woods, from Lewiston, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Alexis Skoczylas, at their home last Saturday.
Justice of the Peace Pamela Rider presided over the arraignment in Niagara County, after which Woods was taken into custody. The Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is handling the case under Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires a review of incidents involving officer-related fatalities, regardless of whether the officer was on duty or if the deceased was armed. The Attorney General’s office stated that OSI has conducted a full investigation into the incident.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) recognized the cooperation of several law enforcement agencies, including the Town of Lewiston Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, City of Niagara Falls Police Department, and Niagara County District Attorney’s Office.
The criminal charges represent allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty through trial or by entering a plea. Woods is currently awaiting the next steps in the judicial process related to the death of Ms. Skoczylas.
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