For the first time since charges were announced against a state parole officer in the death of parolees Marchello Woodard,43, the victim’s father is sharing his reaction to the decision.
Charles Woodard sat down for an exclusive interview with Erie News Now. He said when Erie County District Attorney Beth Hirz called Charles Woodard with her decision on homicide, assault, and recklessly endangering charges for Pennsylvania Parole Officer Kevin Seelinger, 35, he said it really touched him.
“I received a call from her and I’m so grateful that she did reach out and called me like she said she was going to do and I appreciate that very much,” Charles said.
He went on to say that he respects the D-A and her decision. “I know that it takes time to get its right instead of making the wrong decision. I really respect her you know, but now it brings a little closure to my family.”
The fatal shooting of Marchello Woodard during a parole compliance check July 2, came on top of the loss of his older son Charles. “He had leukemia, so I got a double whammy in 2025, it was real, I’m still grieving – both of the losses.”
Charles was emotional as he said that strong support of family and the community is helping. “You know my family’s been very supportive, the people in the community, my church family, people so supportive.”
And his faith is helping too. “You know I just live one day at a time, keep praying that my God keeps me peaceful, I’ve got to love my enemy and I don’t want to become the enemy,” he said.
But it will be a lonely Christmas. “Now it’s Christmas time, I never went one Christmas without my son,” Charles said softly.
For his family, Charles said he will be there every step of the way as the case proceeds in the courts — Not for retribution, but for prevention. “I can’t bring my son back, but all I want to do is make sure that it never happens to anyone in our community again.”