Two women and a service dog were tragically killed, and another woman critically injured in a horrifying machete attack that occurred at an apartment building in Pennsylvania on December 9th. The suspect, identified as Michael Woods, 38, has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of attempted criminal homicide, and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. This violent incident has left the community shocked and mourning the senseless loss of life.
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According to reports from WNEP, WVIA News, and Cleveland 19 News, the attack took place on the sixth floor of the Hotel Jermyn Apartments. Police Chief Thomas Carroll described the scene as callers reported screams and visible blood, one even identifying herself as a victim. The swift response from patrol officers led to the apprehension of the suspect, Michael Woods, who was attempting to flee the scene. He was found with blood-stained clothing and wielding a bloody machete, as confirmed by Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher during a press conference.
The victims of this heinous attack include a 61-year-old woman, a 59-year-old woman, and a 66-year-old woman who sustained critical injuries. All involved, including the suspect, were residents of the apartment building. Security footage reportedly captures Woods leaving his apartment armed with a machete before carrying out the assaults. Gallagher described the incident as a gruesome, reprehensible, and senseless act of violence, highlighting the horrific nature of the attack that was captured on video surveillance.
The surviving victim suffered severe injuries, with her hand nearly severed from her arm and a deep chest wound from the stabbing, according to detectives as reported by WVIA News. Woods confessed to authorities that he had consumed the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine (PCP) before the attack, although this information is yet to be confirmed as investigations continue. The exact relationship between the suspect and the victims remains undisclosed at this time, adding to the complexity of the case.
In light of the charges brought against him, Michael Woods faces a series of serious accusations including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, attempted criminal homicide, and cruelty to animals. As per reports from Cleveland 19 News and WVIA News, Woods is currently in custody without bail at Lackawanna County Prison and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 23. The Scranton Police Department was contacted for comment but did not provide an immediate response following the incident on December 13.
This tragic event has left the community reeling from the loss of two women and a beloved service dog, with one woman fighting for her life following the brutal machete attack. The investigation into the motives behind this violent act and the relationship between the suspect and the victims continues, as authorities work to bring justice to those affected by this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.