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WILKES-BARRE — A West Hazleton man accused of fatally shooting a teenager during a botched drug deal in the summer of 2018 pleaded guilty to a count of third-degree murder on Friday.
Brandon Joseph Gambardella, 20, appeared before Luzerne County Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III on Friday, entering a guilty plea on a single count of third-degree murder. Gambardella had been accused in the shooting death of Anthony Bonney, 17, on June 18, 2018.
Pierantoni set sentencing for Gambardella for Feb. 13. Third-degree murder carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 to 40 years in state prison, meaning Gambardella avoids the mandatory life sentence that was possible if he had been found guilty of first-degree murder.
According to police, Gambardella and Bonney met at a Freeland park for a drug deal, when Bonney attempted to pass off drywall shavings and baking soda as cocaine. Gambardella began firing shots at Bonney as Bonney ran away from the playground.
Another woman who police say drove Gambardella to the playground that day is also facing charges in connection with the incident.
Police say Felicia M. Catrone took the gun Gambardella used and buried it under a tree in her backyard. Catrone is facing charges of perjury, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension and carrying a firearm without a license.
Catrone will appear in court next before Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough on Feb. 6.
She is out on $100 unsecured bail, records show, but Gambardella will remain locked up until his sentencing.
Reach Patrick Kernan at 570-991-6386 or on Twitter @PatKernan