Pennsylvania politician says he shot someone ‘point-blank’ as a teen

Politics
17 Jul 2025 • 11:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Mel Witherspoon, a member of Erie City Council in Pennsylvania, confessed during a council meeting that he shot someone in the head as a 17-year-old gang member.
  • He revealed he only spent one night in jail and never faced court for the shooting due to his connections with the mafia in New Jersey.
  • The confession was made during a council meeting held in response to the recent shooting of 43-year-old Marchello Woodard by a state parole agent.
  • Witherspoon said he shared his past experience because his son's mention of Marchello brought back memories.
  • Watch the video in full above.

IN FULL