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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).
Woods, who is currently serving with the Buffalo Police Department, was reportedly off duty when the shooting occurred. The department confirmed his employment status, underscoring the gravity of the situation as the details continue to unfold.
The Lewiston Police Department had initially been called to the scene on Saturday for a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers discovered Skoczylas deceased inside the home, pronouncing her dead on the spot.
The involvement of an active police officer in such a grave incident has prompted the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI) to take charge of the investigation. Attorney General Letitia James announced in a press release that Woods faces arraignment on charges of second-degree murder. He is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
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.