Sanborn, New York — A 53-year-old man now sits in the Niagara County Jail after authorities charged him with Murder in the Second Degree in the death of 35-year-old Alexis Skoczylas. The charge follows the discovery of Skoczylas inside her Buffalo Street residence on February 14, 2026.
The case began around 5:14 p.m., when Lewiston Police Department officers were sent to the home for a welfare check. Such calls are often precautionary. This one ended in tragedy. Officers arrived and located Skoczylas deceased inside the residence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
As investigators worked to piece together what happened, Lance L. Woods was taken into custody. Authorities formally charged him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree. He was processed and transported to the Niagara County Jail, where he remains awaiting arraignment.
The investigation has drawn in multiple law enforcement agencies. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Falls Police Department, Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, Cheektowaga Police Department, Buffalo Police Department, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations are all assisting. Officials describe the case as active and ongoing, with more details expected as the process continues.
While the legal system moves forward, the human impact is already deeply felt. Alexis Skoczylas is remembered by friends and neighbors as a compassionate presence in the community. Her death has left many struggling to make sense of what happened inside a home that once felt safe.
Sanborn is not a place accustomed to headlines like this. The arrest has brought difficult conversations and a heavy silence to parts of Buffalo Street. Residents are leaning on each other as they wait for answers.
For now, the focus remains on both accountability and remembrance. As Lance L. Woods awaits his next court appearance, the community continues to mourn Alexis Skoczylas, honoring her life while seeking clarity in the days ahead.
