ERIE, Pa. — The murder trial of a Pennsylvania state parole agent charged in the shooting death of a parolee got underway Monday at the Erie County Courthouse.
Kevin Seelinger is charged with criminal homicide in the July 2, 2025, death of Marchello Woodard. Prosecutors allege Seelinger unjustifiably used deadly force, while the defense argues he feared for his life or serious bodily injury.
In opening statements, prosecutors said Woodard had parked outside his girlfriend’s home when two parole agents approached his vehicle. They said Woodard began moving the car toward the street while his girlfriend was retrieving items from it.
Prosecutors said Seelinger approached the driver’s window and ordered Woodard out of the vehicle. Within seconds, Seelinger fired three shots, according to the prosecution. One hit Woodard in the elbow, another in the left shoulder and a third entered his back and left lung, killing him.
The prosecution acknowledged alcohol and cocaine were found in Woodard’s system but argued the central question is whether Seelinger faced a danger that justified the use of deadly force.
Defense attorney Chad Vilushis told jurors the case is not about who fired the shots. He said Seelinger had supervised Woodard on parole for about two and a half years and will argue that he believed Woodard posed an immediate threat.
The prosecution began presenting testimony Monday, including from a Pennsylvania State Police investigator and an Erie police officer who used his vehicle to stop Woodard’s moving car after the shooting and began rendering aid.
Judge John Trucilla is presiding over the trial. Testimony is expected to continue throughout the week.