Jtown Man Sentenced to 14-40 Years for Fatal Shooting

Jamil Branche pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and aggravated assault charges.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 25-year-old Johnstown man named Jamil Branche was sentenced to 14-40 years in state prison for a fatal drive-by shooting in the city's Hornerstown neighborhood in 2024. Branche pled guilty to third-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault after opening fire on a group of people, killing 32-year-old Isaiah Hixon and injuring two others.

Why it matters

Gun violence and drive-by shootings have been an ongoing issue in Johnstown, a post-industrial city in western Pennsylvania that has struggled with economic decline and high crime rates in recent decades. This sentencing highlights the efforts of local law enforcement and the judicial system to hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable.

The details

In November 2024, Jamil Branche was arrested for the fatal shooting that occurred earlier that year. He pled guilty in December to third-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault. The 14-40 year sentence was part of a previously negotiated plea agreement.

  • Branche was arrested in November 2024 for the shooting.
  • Branche pled guilty in December 2024.

The players

Jamil Branche

A 25-year-old man from Johnstown, Pennsylvania who was sentenced to 14-40 years in prison for a fatal drive-by shooting.

Isaiah Hixon

A 32-year-old man who was killed in the drive-by shooting incident in Johnstown.

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The takeaway

This sentencing serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Johnstown faces with gun violence and the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of crime in the community.