SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — District Attorney Brian Gallagher announced that prosecutors have formally filed notice to seek capital punishment against Michael Woods. The case involves the deaths of two women, the attempted killing of a third, and the death of a service dog at the Hotel Jermyn Apartments.
Gallagher said the decision followed an extensive review of the evidence and Pennsylvania law. He described the alleged violence as severe and said prosecutors believe it meets the legal threshold required to pursue the death penalty.
Under state law, capital punishment can only be considered when certain aggravating factors are present. Prosecutors contend that multiple factors apply in this case, including allegations that the killings occurred during the commission of another felony, created a significant risk to others, involved torture, and resulted in multiple deaths.
Gallagher emphasized that seeking the death penalty is intended to reflect the seriousness of the crimes, not as an act of revenge. He added that the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome.
Marissa Dankulich, daughter of attack survivor Marilyn Waller, spoke to FOX56 after the decision to seek the penalty was announced. “I never was one for the death penalty, unless it was a large, horrible, multi-person incident. And this checks all the boxes for me. Call it an eye for an eye. Don’t play stupid games and murder people and almost take my mother’s life, and expect to get a slap on the wrist.”
The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned March 19 at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Andrew Jarbola at the Lackawanna County Courthouse. He is represented by defense attorney David Cherundolo.
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Authorities say they continue to work with law enforcement and victim advocates as the case moves forward.