Background: News footage of the home in Sanford, N.Y., where Alexis Skoczylas was found dead on Feb. 14 (WKBW). Inset: Lance Woods (Niagara County Sheriff”s Office).
Authorities were alerted to the situation when the Lewiston Police Department responded to a welfare check call at the residence on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Skoczylas deceased inside the home, confirming the worst fears of family and friends.
The case has garnered significant attention due to Woods’ profession as a police officer, a role he held at the time of the shooting, albeit off duty. This has prompted the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI) to step in and lead the inquiry. In a press release, Attorney General Letitia James announced that Woods has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail following his arraignment.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is conducting its own examination of the events leading up to the shooting. They have pledged full cooperation with the OSI to ensure a thorough investigation. This case shines a light on the tragic consequences of domestic conflicts and the complex issues faced by law enforcement when one of their own is implicated in a serious crime.
Due to Woods’ status as an active police officer, the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI) will investigate the fatal shooting. New York State Attorney General Letitia James said in a press release that Woods was arraigned on Saturday on one count of second-degree murder. He was ordered to remain in custody at the Niagara County Jail.
The Buffalo Police Internal Affairs Division also said it was “reviewing the timeline of events” and cooperating with OSI in its investigation.
Local ABC affiliate WKBW interviewed Lewiston Police Chief Michael Salada, who said that Woods was apprehended by police from the Amherst Police Department between 3 and 4 a.m. on Sunday and taken into custody. According to Salada, the couple’s two children were in the home at the time of the alleged shooting, and both of the children are currently in the care of relatives.
WKBW reported that while Woods and Skoczylas were married at the time of her death, Skoczylas had filed for divorce in September 2025. Salada told WKBW that there were no domestic violence calls made to the home in the past.
According to WKBW, Woods had been working with the Buffalo police since 2008 and was promoted to detective in 2017. At some point, he served as a school resource officer.
