Lewiston Police Department reports murder

Submitted by the Lewiston Police Department & City of Buffalo Office of the Mayor

On Feb. 14, 2026, at approximately 5:14 p.m., officers with the Lewiston Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Buffalo Street in Sanborn for a welfare check on a female resident.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased female inside the residence. The victim has been identified as Alexis Skoczylas, 35, of Sanborn. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, Lance L. Woods, 53, has been arrested and charged with one count of murder in the second degree. Woods was processed and transported to the Niagara County Jail, to await arraignment on the charge.

The Lewiston Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Niagara Falls Police Department, the Niagara County District Attorney's Office, Cheektowaga Police Department, Buffalo Police Department and the New York State Attorney General's Office of Special Investigations.

Buffalo Police Interim Commissioner Craig Macy said, “At approximately 1 a.m. (Sunday), the Buffalo Police 911 dispatch lieutenant was contacted by the Lewiston Police Department in connection with a homicide in Niagara County. Lewiston Police were seeking the location of off-duty Buffalo Police Officer Lance Woods. 

“Buffalo Police detectives worked in coordination with Lewiston Police, sharing resources to support the apprehension of Woods, including using investigative resources to attempt to locate the vehicle Woods was believed to be driving. Woods has subsequently been arrested and charged with murder. 

“Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b governing officer-involved deaths, the case has been referred to the New York Attorney General’s office of special investigation (OSI). Buffalo Police will continue to coordinate with OSI to support their ongoing investigation.

“The Buffalo Police Internal Affairs Division is also in the process of reviewing the timeline of events of this rapidly evolving situation.”

This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Note: As is everyone accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.