A horrifying incident unfolded in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as the local police department reported a tragic machete attack that left two women and a service dog dead. On December 9, chaos erupted on the sixth floor of the Hotel Jermyn Apartments. Eyewitnesses could hear screams and see visible blood, prompting quick responses from police units.
“Callers reported screams, visible blood, with one caller identifying herself as a victim,” said Police Chief Thomas Carroll during a press conference. His description conveys the terror that residents experienced that day. The scene, painted vividly by law enforcement, was described as a representation of “pure evil.” Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher confirmed that the brutality of the event was extensively captured on video surveillance—a chilling detail not lost on those investigating the crime.
Gallagher called the attack a “gruesome, reprehensible, and senseless act of violence,” emphasizing that it occurred in a familiar environment for the victims. The two deceased adults, aged 61 and 59, along with a seriously injured 66-year-old woman, highlight the indiscriminate nature of this tragedy. One victim suffered catastrophic injuries, with police noting her hand was nearly severed along with severe chest wounds.
In the midst of the horror, police apprehended 38-year-old Michael Woods as he attempted to escape the scene. Wearing blood-stained clothing and wielding a machete, Woods reportedly alluded to having consumed a hallucinogenic substance prior to the attack. However, authorities have yet to substantiate his claims. “That’s under current investigation,” Gallagher stated, striking a cautious tone about speculating on Woods’ mental state or potential drug use.
Woods currently faces multiple charges, including two counts of criminal homicide. He is being held without bail in the Lackawanna County Prison as the legal process unfolds. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 23. The nature of the attack, combined with the background of the accused, raises critical questions about safety and accountability in the community.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the often devastating consequences it brings to innocent lives. As details continue to develop, residents and officials alike are left grappling with the aftermath of this terrifying episode. Other questions linger in the air: What led to such a horrific act? How can communities safeguard against similar threats? The answers remain elusive as the case unfolds in the coming weeks.
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