SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say two women were killed, and one is in critical condition after a machete attack at an apartment building in Scranton on Tuesday.
The Scranton Police Department held a press conference at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday to address their investigation into the deadly stabbing that occurred downtown Tuesday evening.
Police investigated a stabbing at the Jermyn Apartments along the 300 block of Biden Street on Tuesday around 7:30 p.m.
Authorities say two women, Linda P. Fortuna, 61, and Terry M. Muller, 59, of Scranton, were killed in the attack. A 66-year-old woman was also injured and is in critical condition. Police noted a Miller’s service dog, Nayla, was also attacked and killed during the ordeal.
Scranton Police Department
Officers found 38-year-old Michael Woods wearing bloody clothes and carrying a bloody machete. He was taken into custody.
Woods is originally from Jersey City and lived in the apartment for roughly two years, according to District Attorney Brian Gallagher. Police say he also admitted to taking PCP earlier.
On Tuesday, D.A. Gallagher said an incident like this has not happened in Scranton for quite some time.
“This is a horrific, horrific event. The most significant one was probably 20 years ago with Randal Rushing. This doesn’t happen often here,” stated D.A. Gallagher.
Both Gallagher and the Scranton police chief thanked first responders for their quick response in Tuesday’s attack.
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“Most sincerely, the police department sends the deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic event. This remains an active criminal investigation by the police department and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office,” Scranton Police Department Chief Thomas Carroll declared.
According to Gallagher, Woods is currently being held without bail at the Lackawanna County prison.
Woods has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide. He is also facing counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and animal abuse.
His preliminary hearing is currently set for later this month.
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