Scranton DA seeks death penalty for Michael Woods in Scranton murders

SCRANTON, PA – Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher announced today that prosecutors have formally filed notice to seek the death penalty against Michael Woods. Woods is accused of killing two women, attempting to murder another woman, and the killing of a service dog at the Hotel Jermyn Apartments in December. Gallagher stated his 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. If the case proceeds to that stage, a jury will decide whether the death penalty is warranted.