A Lancaster man who pleaded guilty to shooting a victim in a Lititz Pike alley during a drug deal on Christmas in 2019 was sentenced on September 8.

Onearl Parker III, 26 of the 2600 block of Lititz Pike, was sentenced to 18 ½ to 40 years in prison by Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn after pleading guilty to attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, persons not to possess a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, and two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

On December 25, 2019, at approximately 11:01 p.m., the Manheim Township Police Department responded to the area of 2609 Sutton Place for the report of multiple gunshots being fired. Police located multiple shell casings upon arrival.

Police received information that a gunshot wound victim had arrived at Lancaster General Hospital and responded to speak with him.

Further investigation revealed the victim met up with Parker to buy marijuana in an alley behind the 2600 block of Lititz Pike. After the drug transaction, Parker shot the victim and began to hit him in the head with the handgun. Parker then pointed the handgun at the victim and pulled the trigger, although it did not fire because it had run out of bullets.

“The only circumstances that don’t have us here for a homicide case instead of an attempted homicide case is because the defendant ran out of bullets,” prosecuting Assistant District Attorney Christine Wilson said during sentencing. “This victim is very lucky to be alive.”

The victim suffered five gunshot wounds to his body and has a bullet lodged in his body near the diaphragm.

Parker was unable to carry a firearm due to being adjudicated as a juvenile for felony offenses of aggravated assault and robbery.

Police discovered the handgun in Parker’s bathroom and approximately $1,225 grams of marijuana through a subsequent search warrant for the defendant’s apartment.

Defense counsel argued the shooting happened due to the defendant’s use of drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues which caused paranoia that he was being robbed. Defense also mentioned the defendant pleading and showing remorse through a written statement as mitigating factors.

Judge Spahn stated he had no doubt the defendant was remorseful and that he wished the defendant didn’t have to experience some parts of his life.

“But for running out of bullets,” Spahn said. “I can only fear for but where we have been. Violence is never the answer.”

Parker must also pay $454,000 in restitution for the victim's medical bills.

Manheim Township Police Department Officer Christopher Dissinger filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.