SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A deadly stabbing in Scranton leaves two residents dead, one in critical condition, and a man in custody after a late-night Tuesday attack, inside the Jermyn Apartments.
The Scranton Police Department announced more details at a press conference Wednesday, joined by Police Chief Tom Carroll, Lackawanna District Attorney Brian Gallagher, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, and detectives in the ongoing investigation.
Just before 6:30 Tuesday evening, Scranton Police were called to the Jermyn Apartments after 911 callers reported screams, blood in the hallway, and a man armed with a machete attacking residents.
The suspect has since been identified as 38-year-old Michael Willie Marquis Woods. Chief Thomas Carroll outlined the details from the affidavit at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, describing what unfolded on the building’s sixth floor.
“The suspect, Michael Willie Marquis Woods, leaving his apartment number 612 and walking down the hallway with a machete. As he proceeds, witness number one is seen entering victim two’s apartment, which is number 608. Woods follows witness one into apartment 608 and goes out of camera view,” said Carroll.
“Shortly afterward, witness one and victim two exit apartment 608 on their cell phones, Woods still behind them, still holding a machete. As Woods approaches the elevator area, the elevator doors open and victim number one steps off. Woods attacks victim number one by stabbing her in the chest, causing her to fall to the floor. He then attacks victim two by throwing her to the ground and stabbing her in the chest,” said Carroll.
“Witness one manages to safely reach her apartment around the corner. At this point, victim number three opens her door to her apartment, and Woods forces his way inside, attacking her by stabbing her in the chest,” said Carroll.
Killed in the attack were a 61-year-old woman, a 59-year-old woman, and her Labrador retriever service dog. A third victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
Police apprehended Woods as he exited the Jermyn Apartments onto Biden Street, where he was taken into custody still holding the machete.
Chief Carroll and District Attorney Brian Gallagher emphasized both the bravery of responding officers and the impact on those who witnessed it.
“We are very proud of our officers for their bravery, their decisive actions and their life-saving medical aid they rendered during this horrific event. The Scranton Police Department extends their deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic event,” said Carroll.
“Even though law enforcement and first responders sign up to face danger, and we expect difficult scenes, they are still human. What they witnessed last night, what is present? And those surveillance videos is pure evil. No training can ever prepare you to make tragedies like that routine,” said Gallagher.
Woods is being held without bail and faces two counts of criminal homicide, one count of attempted criminal homicide, related offenses, and a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.
Police urge anyone with additional information to contact Scranton detectives and the Scranton Police Department as the investigation continues.