Lance Woods, a Buffalo Police Department officer, was arrested and arraigned for the second-degree murder of his wife, Alexis Skoczylas, after allegedly fatally shooting her at their home on February 14, 2026. The incident occurred while Woods was off-duty. The Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation is conducting a full investigation, with cooperation from multiple local law enforcement agencies. Woods has been remanded into custody pending trial.
Country: United States
State/Province: New York, United States
City/Region: Sanborn
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: Feb. 14, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-02-14
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Attorney General James Announces Arrest and Arraignment of Buffalo Police Officer on Murder Charge
Domestic Violence
The case involves a domestic violence homicide where a married police officer allegedly fatally shot his wife at their home. The incident reflects an escalation of domestic conflict resulting in lethal violence within a marital relationship.
The Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation is conducting a full investigation as mandated by law for deaths involving police officers. Multiple local law enforcement agencies are cooperating. Lance Woods was arraigned and remanded into custody. Charges are accusations pending trial.
No reported confusion or disputed narratives regarding suspect identity or incident circumstances.
On February 14, 2026, Lance Woods allegedly shot his wife, Alexis Skoczylas, at their home in Sanborn, NY. The Attorney General's Office initiated a full investigation due to the involvement of a police officer. Woods was arrested and arraigned the following day. The case is pending trial.
High risk due to escalation of domestic conflict culminating in fatal violence by a spouse with firearm access.
Domestic violence incidents involving law enforcement personnel require thorough investigation. Early identification of escalation patterns in marital conflicts is critical. Cooperation among multiple agencies supports comprehensive case handling.
Reported escalation of domestic conflict culminating in lethal violence.
The suspect's off-duty status and presence at home during the incident helped establish the timeline and context.
Official arrest and arraignment records, law enforcement investigation reports.
Not reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial arrest and arraignment.
No information on motive or relationship duration; investigation ongoing.