Buffalo Police Officer Charged with Second-Degree Murder

Lance Woods arraigned for killing his wife Alexis Skoczylas inside their home.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A Buffalo police officer named Lance Woods has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of second-degree murder for the killing of his 35-year-old wife, Alexis Skoczylas, inside their home in Sanborn, New York on February 14. Woods was arraigned in Niagara County Court and is currently being held in the Orleans County Jail without bail.

Why it matters

The case involves a police officer accused of murdering his spouse, which raises concerns about domestic violence within law enforcement and the need for greater accountability and transparency when officers are accused of crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, Woods allegedly shot Skoczylas in the head following an argument after she told him she was leaving him. Woods allegedly did not seek medical help for his wife and tried to clean up the crime scene. Skoczylas' body was later found by Lewiston Police in the early morning hours of February 15 after her mother could not reach her. Woods has been suspended without pay, and a police captain who had conversations with Woods prior to the body being found has been suspended with pay pending an internal review.

  • On February 14, Woods allegedly shot and killed his wife Alexis Skoczylas inside their home.
  • In the early morning hours of February 15, Skoczylas' body was found by Lewiston Police.
  • On February 16, Woods was suspended without pay from the Buffalo Police Department.

The players

Lance Woods

A Buffalo police officer who has been indicted on a second-degree murder charge for the killing of his wife, Alexis Skoczylas.

Alexis Skoczylas

The 35-year-old wife of Lance Woods who was allegedly shot and killed by her husband inside their home.

New York State Attorney General's Office

The prosecutor's office handling the case against Lance Woods because it involves a police officer.

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What’s next

Woods is being held without bail and the case is being prosecuted by the New York State Attorney General's Office. An internal review is also underway regarding the Buffalo police captain who had conversations with Woods prior to Skoczylas' body being found.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement when officers are accused of domestic violence and other serious crimes. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of domestic abuse and the challenges victims face, even among those who are sworn to protect the public.