Randall R. Wickizer, a 55-year-old male from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, died on Thursday, July 9, 2020, after a family argument turned deadly outside a home on Willow Road in the Boyertown/Colebrookdale Township area. He was remembered in obituary notices as someone connected to his family and local outdoor clubs, including the Pikeville Sportsman Club, the Boyertown Rod and Gun Club, and the Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club.
He enjoyed hunting, vehicle projects, and spending time with his loved ones, including his daughter and grandchildren.
The shooting unfolded in the early afternoon during a dispute between Randall and his brother, Ronald Wickizer. According to reports from investigators, the brothers were arguing outside Ronald’s home, and the disagreement centered on the care of their mother. As the argument escalated, Ronald allegedly went into an attached garage, retrieved a handgun or revolver, came back outside, and shot Randall in the head at close range. Randall was pronounced dead a short time later, with one report placing the pronouncement at 2:06 p.m.
Witness information reported later painted the confrontation as both sudden and deeply personal. Before the fatal shot, Ronald was reported to have made a statement telling Randall to stay out of their mother’s life. Afterward, he reportedly made comments suggesting resignation to being taken into custody and regret toward their mother. The case was treated as a homicide almost immediately, with police and the Berks County District Attorney’s Office identifying Ronald as the suspect.
Ronald Wickizer was arrested and charged after the shooting. Initial charges included first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and possession of an instrument of crime. He was preliminarily arraigned and committed to Berks County Jail without bail. Reports identified the case as being investigated by Berks County Detective John Solecki and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel Troy.
The case did not remain unresolved. Ronald Wickizer ultimately pleaded guilty to third-degree murder after originally facing first-degree murder allegations. In August 2021, he was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison for fatally shooting Randall during the family dispute. No online reporting located identified any additional suspects, and the available accounts consistently named Ronald Wickizer, Randall’s brother, as the person responsible for the shooting.
