A Pennsylvania man is behind bars facing double homicide charges after authorities say he smoked PCP and launched a brutal machete attack in an apartment complex, hacking two women and a golden retriever to death while leaving a third woman fighting for her life.
Michael Woods, 38, was taken into custody shortly after the December 9 massacre. According to police reports, officers found him at an intersection outside the building, covered in blood and still gripping the machete.
After being ordered to drop the weapon, Woods allegedly told arresting officers he had smoked PCP earlier that day.
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The violence erupted on the sixth floor of the residential building. Police rushed to the scene after receiving frantic 911 calls about a man armed with a blade and screaming in the hallways. One of those calls reportedly came from one of the victims herself.
Inside, first responders discovered a chaotic and bloody scene. Linda Fortuna, 61, was found bleeding heavily near the elevator. Inside an apartment unit, officers found 59-year-old Terry Muller unresponsive alongside her service dog, Nayla. Both women, as well as the dog, succumbed to their injuries, according to WVIA.
A third victim, 66-year-old Marilyn Waller, managed to answer her door when police arrived despite suffering catastrophic wounds. Authorities noted that her hand was nearly severed and she had sustained a deep stab wound to the chest. She was rushed to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition.
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Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher described the senseless violence as “pure evil,” the outlet reported.
While investigators have not pinned down a specific motive directed at the women, the arrest affidavit highlights Woods’ admission to using the powerful hallucinogen before the attack.
Woods has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide, one count of attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and cruelty to animals. He remains in custody and is scheduled to face a judge on December 23.
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