Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus issues response to update in Marchello Woodard case
Comes after state parole agent is charged with criminal homicide
Rep. Napoleon Nelson December 19, 2025 | 2:20 PM
ERIE, Dec. 19 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus issued the following statement in response to updates in the case of the death of Marchello Woodard. Woodard was fatally shot in his Erie community on July 2 during an incident involving state parole agents.
“After 170 days since the tragic killing of Marchello Woodard, we are heartened to finally have a charging decision from the Erie District Attorney’s office,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, chair of the PLBC. “This move is the next step on a long journey toward justice, and we are comforted to reach this moment in the legal process.”
Kevin Seelinger, a state parole agent from Edinboro, is facing charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person. All alleged crimes were committed on the day Woodard died.
Woodard was reportedly unarmed during the July 2 incident and just two weeks away from the end of his parole when he was shot three times in the chest. The Erie County coroner ruled Woodard’s death as a homicide after an autopsy was conducted.
“The use of fatal force in this incident raises urgent questions about safety, accountability and the interactions between parole agents and the community members that they are helping to reintegrate into our communities,” said Nelson.
“Our communities should not have to live in fear of those who are meant to protect us. The PLBC remains committed to advancing justice, civil rights and systemic change to ensure that no one needs to endure such tragedies. We offer continued prayers to the Woodard family and everyone in the Erie community.”