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WILKES-BARRE — A trial date has been set for a West Hazleton man accused of fatally shooting a 17-year-old during a botched drug deal in the summer of 2018.
Brandon Joseph Gambardella, 20, appeared before Luzerne County Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III for a brief scheduling hearing on Wednesday, during which Pierantoni scheduled Gambardella’s trial for the week of March 9, 2020.
Gambardella is currently locked up in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, facing an open count of criminal homicide after police said he shot and killed Anthony Bonney, 17, on June 18, 2018.
According to police, Gambardella fired shots at Bonney at a Freeland park after Bonney attempted to pass of drywall shavings and baking soda as cocaine.
Gambardella’s attorney, Mark Bufalino, along with the prosecution team, confirmed that the discovery process has been ongoing.
Gambardella will remain locked up at the county prison pending his trial.