(WJET\/WFXP)\u2013 City of Erie Mayor-elect Daria Devlin has released a statement on charges being filed against the Pennsylvania Parole agent accused of fatally shooting Marchello Woodard, thanking the Erie County District Attorney and standing with the Woodard family.<\/p>\n
Devlin called District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz\u2019s decision a reflection of the seriousness of the moment and the community\u2019s calls for transparency, accountability and action since Woodard was shot 170 days ago.<\/p>\n
Despite the case being out of her jurisdiction, Devlin said she and her team will create a safe space for the public discussion while promoting healing and progress.<\/p>\n
Devlin is set to be sworn in as mayor on January 5. The full statement is as follows:<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s decision by Erie County\u2019s District Attorney in the case of Marchello Woodard reflects the seriousness of this moment and the clear call from our community for accountability, transparency, and action. While no decision can ease the unbearable pain felt by Marchello\u2019s loved ones, I hope it finally brings Marchello\u2019s family some closure and the ability to begin to heal.<\/p>\n
I thank the District Attorney for her work to finally arrive at this moment. While I do not have authority over this case or control over what happens next, I do have a responsibility to the citizens of Erie \u2014 to listen, to lead with compassion and trust, and to help bring our community together.<\/p>\n
In the months ahead, my team and I will be creating space for conversation, healing, and progress, because Erie deserves nothing less \u2014 and because justice is not defined by a single moment, but by our ongoing commitment to build an Erie where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.<\/p>\n
To the Woodards and those closest to Marchello, I see you, and I stand with you. While I know this can\u2019t bring Marchello back, I hope it can and does provide a moment of closure.<\/p>\n
To those who never stopped calling for justice and never allowed the community\u2019s focus to stray from the tragedy of Marchello\u2019s death, thank you for your dedication and your unyielding belief in the power of the public\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n
To our Erie community, we still have work to do, and I call on every neighbor, friend, member of this city to come together, listen, and lift each other up.<\/p>\n
Erie will only reach its fullest potential when every member of our community feels heard and empowered. By continuing our work toward that goal, we can and will ensure that Marchello\u2019s death and other injustices in our community are not in vain, but instead serve as a call to push us toward real progress and move Erie forward with purpose, accountability, and care. That is how our city begins to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n
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