Following the verdict in the trial of former Pennsylvania state parole agent Kevin Seelinger, Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz is calling on community members to remain peaceful while acknowledging the pain many are experiencing in the wake of the decision.
In a statement released Tuesday, Hirz said her office respects the jury’s verdict, and the role jurors play in the justice system while also recognizing the efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police and all investigative personnel involved in the case.
“The conclusion of this trial marks a difficult and deeply significant moment for our community,” Hirz said.
While acknowledging that the outcome may be deeply disappointing for many, particularly the family and loved ones of Marchello Woodard, Hirz urged residents not to allow grief and frustration to lead to violence or retaliation.
“Violence, threats, or acts of retaliation are not acceptable responses to this verdict,” Hirz stated. “We cannot allow anger or disappointment to place the safety of our community at risk.”
The district attorney emphasized that no act of violence can undo the loss suffered by Woodard’s family or bring the community closer to justice. She said concerns about the trial’s outcome should be expressed through peaceful means and encouraged residents to reject calls for violence and avoid actions that could put others at risk.
Hirz also called on community leaders, families, and other influential voices throughout Erie to help calm tensions and encourage responsible behavior in the days ahead.
“This is a moment that calls for leadership, responsibility, and compassion, not violence or confrontation,” she said.
The statement concluded with condolences for Woodard’s family and a renewed appeal for unity.
“We respect the judicial process, we acknowledge the pain of this moment, and we unequivocally call on our community to remain peaceful,” Hirz said. “We ask everyone to choose peace, protect one another, and allow our community to move forward without further tragedy.”