On November 9, 2020, Andrew Ozio, a 29-year-old man from Altoona, PA, was tragically killed in an alley on the 100 block of East Crawford Avenue. He was found lying in a pool of blood with three gunshot wounds - one each in his neck, chest, and head. A lead pipe and three .40 caliber casings were discovered near his body.
The investigation revealed that Andrew Ozio was involved in a dispute with Vasilios Pentsas Jr., 34, of Altoona, over a marijuana deal.
Ozio had agreed to sell marijuana to Pentsas for approximately $440, but after receiving the drugs, Pentsas changed his mind and wanted to return them. The situation escalated when one of Pentsas' friends was assaulted with a lead pipe, which Pentsas believed was done by Ozio due to the debt.
Pentsas was arrested shortly after Ozio's body was found and later admitted to arguing with Ozio throughout the day. Witnesses reported seeing Pentsas fleeing the scene shortly after hearing gunshots. Pentsas led police to a .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
In January 2021, Pentsas pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related charges. However, in July 2022, he was sentenced to serve a minimum of 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder, making terroristic threats, multiple firearms-related offenses, and tampering with evidence.
The case highlighted the tragic consequences of disputes over drug deals and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. Andrew Ozio's death left a significant impact on his family and the community, who continue to seek justice and closure.
