LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that a Buffalo police officer accused of killing his wife was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge on Wednesday.
53-year-old Lance Woods allegedly shot and killed his wife, Alexis Skoczylas, inside their Lewiston home on February 14. 7 News spoke with Lewiston Police Chief Michael Salada after the alleged incident and he said there were no calls to the address in the past for domestic violence. According to court documents, Skoczylas filed for a contested divorce in September 2025.
In court Wednesday, Woods appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled for the arraignment.
James Marra, special investigative counsel for the AG's office, revealed new details about the tragic case as he argued for Niagara County Court Judge Caroline Wojtaszek to continue to keep him remanded through his trial.
Marra said that Woods is accused of shooting Skoczylas in the head and that she may have been alive "for a period of time" afterward, but that he never sought help for her.
Prosecutors allege Woods shot his wife after she told him she was leaving him for another man in the next few days.
He also said Woods allegedly tried to cover up his crime, cleaning up the crime scene and taking her body downstairs into the basement. Woods is also accused of searching for places to dump her body, "including 55-gallon drums or in landfills," and searching for new jobs and homes in George and Florida.
"He made substantial efforts not only to cover up the crime, but also to make attempts and to set up endeavors to leave New York State," Marra said.
Woods' attorney Barry Covert said his client was not a flight risk and urged the judge to release him on an ankle monitor.
Covert argued that Woods has strong ties to Western New York.
"He has two children that are in the area and his family, including family that has shown up in the courtroom," Covert said. "He has been a very great citizen of the area, including an 18-year old police officer who's received medals."
Wojtaszek ruled that he would remain remanded. Woods pleaded not guilty. His next court date is scheduled for May 8.
In February, the Buffalo Police Department said it was conducting an internal investigation to determine whether departmental policies, procedures, and professional standards were followed. Woods was suspended without pay, effective February 16, and a Buffalo police captain was also suspended with pay pending an internal review. The department provided a timeline of events as it initiated an investigation into the incident, which you can find here.
WATCH: Buffalo police captain suspended, timeline released amid investigation into officer accused of murder
Buffalo police said Woods has been with the department since January 2008, and at the time of his arrest, held the rank of police officer. He was an active School Resource Officer, but was not stationed at one specific school; he answered calls at all schools in the city.
If you or a loved one has or is currently experiencing domestic violence, the following hotlines are available:
- New York State Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
- New York State Chat/Text hotline: Text 844-997-2121
- National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
- Erie County Child and Family Services: 716-884-6000
- Family Justice Center: 716-558-7233
