Testimony continued Thursday in the murder trial of former Erie parole agent Kevin Seelinger, who is charged in connection with the fatal shooting of parolee Marchello Woodard during a compliance check in July 2025.
Day four of the trial featured testimony from a neighbor who witnessed the incident, as well as the director of the Erie Parole Services.
The neighbor told jurors that her family was preparing a van for a camping trip when the shooting occurred. During questioning, she described seeing an individual being dragged by a vehicle before hearing gunshots. Under cross-examination by the defense, she reiterated her account of the events leading up to the shooting.
Jurors also heard from the director of the Erie Parole Services, who was questioned extensively about the agency’s policies and procedures. Testimony focused on the department’s use-of-force policy and the authority parole agents have when interacting with parolees.
According to the director, parole agents are permitted to search and arrest parolees when reasonable suspicion exists. Attorneys questioned him about how those policies are applied in the field and the expectations placed on parole officers during compliance checks.
Seelinger is accused of shooting and killing Woodard during the July 2025 encounter. The trial is expected to continue as both prosecutors, and defense attorneys present additional testimony and evidence related to the case.