New charges filed in Connellsville shooting
Charges were filed against two Washington residents who allegedly tried to kill two people in Connellsville after a deal to buy guns fell through.
Austin Garrett, 24, and Tyler Crowe, 20, both face charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit homicide and robbery. Garrett also faces charges of reckless endangerment and prohibited possession of a firearm.
According to Garrett’s criminal complaint, he fired at Ian Younkin and Antonio Pedrosa with a 9-mm handgun Feb. 9 during negotiations over the purchase of guns on the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue. Crowe’s complaint remained sealed Wednesday.
Younkin, who was attempting to buy four guns with Pedrosa, was shot twice in the head, the complaint said. Pedrosa drove him to Penn Highlands Hospital before he was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Pedrosa told investigators he had been communicating over Snapchat with the prospective seller to buy the guns, which had a combined price of $800. The seller, whom police said is 17, has not been charged in adult court.
The charges against Garrett and Crowe follow ones filed earlier in the month against Gavin Kover, 21, who was at the scene and allegedly provided the red sedan in which Wright’s group arrived. The 17-year-old indicated to police that Kover drove the car, which also carried him, Garrett, Crowe and an unknown female, according to the criminal complaint. Kover faces charges including attempted homicide and several conspiracy charges.
Pedrosa told police he paid the teen $400 when they met up around 10 p.m.
When someone with the teen handed over a bag with guns inside, Pedrosa told Wright the bag seemed too light, the complaint said.
In response, Wright told one of his associates outside the car he was “gonna have to use the 9,” the complaint said.
Kover told police Garrett had come to stand by his car during the transaction. When they heard gunshots, Garrett started firing at Pedrosa’s car as he drove away, the complaint said.
Because Garrett had multiple felony convictions and is on state parole, he was barred from possessing firearms, according to court paperwork.
The teen was able to escape the car by kicking out the rear window, Pedrosa told police. The others in the group drove away without him, Garrett’s complaint said.
Judge Richard Kasunic denied Garrett bail due to his access to numerous firearms, flight risk and threat to the community.
Garrett and Kover are both scheduled for preliminary hearings on May 7.