Appeal made in Hazleton shooting case

Jan. 16—A Hazleton man sentenced to up to 38 years in state prison for robbing and shooting a dog walker has filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Anthony Gambirazio (aged 30) is currently being held at the State Correctional Institution of Fayette in Southwestern Pennsylvania. After being convicted by the Luzerne County Jury in April 2022 for shooting a Hazleton man who was walking his dog along Magnolia Street in Hazleton on June 15, 20,21, Gambirazio was sentenced to a year in prison.

Hazleton police reported that Carlos Luna (30, of Hazleton) and Gambirazio (30, of Hazleton) approached a man who was walking his dog behind an apartment door.

Gambirazio, Luna attacked the dog walker over 30 seconds. Police say Gambirazio then brandished a handgun.

The victim grabbed the gun that fired a round through his right forearm.

Police say the victim reported to police that his cell phone had been stolen, and that $100 in cash had been taken.

Gambirazio was convicted on the charges of simple assault and theft, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, simple attack, theft, and criminal conspiracy after a two-day trial.

On August 4, 2022, President Judge Michael T. Vough sentenced Gambirazio 19-38 years in a state prison. This is the highest end of sentencing guidelines.

Julian Truskowski, Assistant District Attorney Drew McLaughlin, and Julian Truskowski, Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted. They sought a more severe sentence because of the seriousness of this offense, as well as the lack of remorse from Gambirazio.

Gambirazio had filed a motion Dec. 5 to amend the long sentence. Vough rejected it. A Pennsylvania Superior Court appeal was filed.

Luna pled guilty in criminal conspiracy to robbery. Vough sentenced Luna to two to four years in prison.