The family of Marchello Woodard, who was fatally shot on the evening of July 2, 2025, is calling for urgent action, transparency, and accountability in the wake of what they describe as a "deliberate" and "malicious" act committed by two Pennsylvania parole officers. The incident has prompted growing public concern and intensified scrutiny on local and state law enforcement agencies.

Woodard, described by his family as a father, fiancé, and man working to overcome past mistakes, was killed during an encounter with two parole agents from the Pennsylvania Probation and Parole Board’s Erie office. The family claims newly surfaced video footage and witness accounts contradict official statements released by authorities.

In a detailed public statement issued Tuesday, the Woodard family made a series of demands and criticisms directed at law enforcement and government officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, the Erie Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Parole Board.

The family alleges that the release of inaccurate information about the incident and the lack of prompt communication with relatives has caused additional trauma.

“It is abhorrent that a grieving family should ever be faced with begging for statements because of a holiday weekend or because the life of our loved one is not important enough,” the family wrote, adding that progress in the case has come “only at the insistence and public outcry of the family and community.”

The family directly links their experience to broader systemic issues, noting the disproportionate use of force and fatal encounters involving Black men. They say that acknowledging race in this case is not an accusation but a necessary context, rooted in data and past incidents.

Their demands include:

   •The immediate suspension and termination of the two parole agents involved.

   •Criminal charges of murder against both officers

   •A public press conference and retraction of what they describe as false and misleading information about Woodard’s role in the incident

   •A comprehensive investigation into all agencies and individuals involved

   •Ongoing discussions with Governor Shapiro and the CLEAR Commission to implement the accountability reforms it recommended earlier this year

The family referenced the CLEAR (Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review) Commission, established by Governor Shapiro to promote transparency and reform in state law enforcement practices. They allege that recent recommendations adopted by the commission have not been implemented at the local level.

“To ignore this request is unacceptable for our Erie community,” the statement reads. “Unrest and outcry will likely worsen and the division between law enforcement and community will be irreparably broken.”

The Woodard family thanked supporters and vowed to continue their pursuit of #JusticeForChello, calling the moment a chance for lasting change and accountability.