On December 9, 2025, a brutal machete attack claimed the life of 59‑year‑old Terry M. Muller, a United States military veteran and resident of the Hotel Jermyn Apartments.
The attack occurred on the sixth floor of the downtown building, leaving the community shaken. Muller was remembered by neighbors as a kind and resilient woman who embodied service and humility.
Authorities reported that the suspect, 38‑year‑old Michael Willie Marquis Woods, allegedly carried out the attack while under the influence of PCP. Muller was found severely wounded in her apartment, alongside her 18‑month‑old golden retriever service dog, Nayla, who was also killed. The cause of death for Muller was confirmed as multiple stab wounds inflicted with a machete.
The violence extended beyond Muller’s apartment. Another resident, 61‑year‑old Linda P. Fortuna, was discovered bleeding near an elevator and later pronounced dead. A third victim, 66‑year‑old Marilyn Joan Waller, sustained critical injuries, including a nearly severed hand and a chest wound. Following emergency surgeries, Waller has shown promising signs of recovery.
Police apprehended Woods outside the building after he fled with the weapon. He now faces charges including criminal homicide and aggravated cruelty to animals. The incident has raised concerns about substance‑related violence and safety in residential communities, with residents describing the victims as wonderful people who were well‑loved in their building.
The deaths of Terry M. Muller and Linda P. Fortuna, along with the injuries sustained by Marilyn Joan Waller, have left a lasting impact on the Hotel Jermyn Apartments community. Muller’s legacy as a veteran and compassionate neighbor, along with the bond she shared with her service dog, will be remembered by those who knew her.