The case against a state parole agent charged with the death of Marchello Woodard is moving forward after a preliminary hearing Wednesday at the Erie County Courthouse.
Judge Susan Strohmeyer bound over all charges against Kevin Seelinger, 35, of Edinboro. The Erie County District Attorney in December charged Seelinger with homicide, two counts of simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.
During the hearing, a witness who saw the incident unfold and two police who provided aid to Woodard testified. The defense argued Seelinger should not have been charged with homicide due to witnessing Woodard attempting to run away in his vehicle.
No weapons were found in Woodards’s vehicle. However, a large bag with powder inside was found on Woodard’s person.
The fatal shooting during a parole compliance check on Erie’s east side in early July 2025 led to months of protests and calls for justice.
Investigators initially said Seelinger shot Woodard, 43, as the parole agent hung onto Woodard’s moving car.
Woodard’s family has questioned that account, and they’ve been calling for more transparency from investigators ever since.
Seelinger was denied bond and remains in the Erie County Prison. The date for trial has not yet been set.
The fatal shooting during a parole compliance check on Erie’s east side in early July 2025 led to months of protests and calls for justice.
Investigators initially said Seelinger shot Woodard, 43, as the parole agent hung onto Woodard’s moving car.
Woodard’s family has questioned that account, and they’ve been calling for more transparency from investigators ever since.
Seelinger was denied bond and remains in the Erie County Prison.