*WARNING: Some readers may find details of the case included below disturbing.
Outside the Lackawanna County Courthouse, Theresa Fagerlin recounted the tragic loss of her best friend, Linda Fortuna. “This has been a hard time for us,” she expressed, emphasizing the senseless nature of the crime, “I’m here for justice for Linda.”
Violent Incident at Jermyn Apartments
On December 9, Scranton police reported an attack at the Jermyn Apartments that left two women dead and another seriously injured. Linda Fortuna and Terry Muller lost their lives, while Marilyn Waller survived with critical injuries, her daughter confirmed. Tragically, Muller’s service dog, Nayla, was also killed during the incident.
Scranton Police Department
During a preliminary hearing, Magisterial District Judge Christopher J. Szewczyk reviewed the evidence and ordered Michael Willie Marquis Woods to face charges of multiple degrees of murder, aggravated assault, animal cruelty, and burglary in county court.
Footage and Testimonies
Surveillance footage from the scene was presented in court, showing Woods calmly walking the sixth-floor corridors with a machete. As Linda Fortuna exited an elevator, Woods approached and attacked her with the weapon. Detective Michael Schultz recounted the events captured on video.
The footage further revealed Woods stabbing Terry Muller, who was conversing with a friend in the hallway. Afterward, Woods entered Muller’s apartment and fatally attacked her service dog before moving to Marilyn Waller’s apartment, where he inflicted severe injuries on her.
Despite the violence, Woods did not harm Muller’s bedridden husband, as confirmed by Detective Schultz. Both Fortuna and Muller succumbed to their injuries, according to Coroner Tim Rowland.
Waller, who survived the attack, has undergone multiple surgeries and faces further medical procedures. Her sister, Doreen McGuire, expressed hope in Waller’s strength and resilience.
Desperate Calls for Help
A recording of Waller’s frantic 911 call was played during the hearing. “Please help me, please hurry,” she implored the dispatcher, detailing the terrifying situation and her injuries.
The dispatcher informed her that police were on the way, and Waller described her assailant as “a black man in a blue hoodie.” A separate call from Muller indicated she was heavily bleeding and struggling to breathe before the line went silent.
Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office
Following the attack, Woods was captured on surveillance footage, appearing calm as he exited the building. He was apprehended by police shortly afterward and reportedly expressed remorse multiple times.
Woods claimed he had consumed PCP, and a subsequent blood test confirmed the presence of the drug. However, he was coherent enough to inform medical personnel about his allergy to iodine, according to District Attorney Brian Gallagher.
The Impact of the Crime
Family and friends of the victims gathered in the courtroom, some choosing to leave before the video evidence was shown. Theresa Fagerlin was among those who opted out, stating, “I like to remember the living as they are.”
Borys Krawczeniuk
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WVIA News
Marissa Dankulich and Doreen McGuire, who witnessed the video, were surprised by Woods’ lack of emotion during the hearing. “How does he not have an emotion for what he did?” Dankulich questioned.
Remembering Linda Fortuna
Fagerlin shared fond memories of her time with Fortuna, recalling their shared experiences and travels. “We went everywhere together,” she said, describing Fortuna as “kind of like my sister.”
Despite witnessing significant losses in her life, Fortuna had recently moved to the Jermyn Apartments and was seeking a fresh start. Fagerlin expressed regret about her friend’s decision to live there due to safety concerns but acknowledged Fortuna’s desire for a change.
Fagerlin continues to feel the absence of her friend deeply, often reaching for the phone to share moments with her, only to remember she is no longer there. “He took her away from me,” she lamented.
