In the early morning hours of October 26, 2017, the life of 30-year-old Eddie Wanamaker of Johnstown, PA, was tragically cut short inside The Clubhouse bar in the Hornerstown section of the city. A physical altercation erupted within the establishment, escalating to a fatal conclusion when Nijan Joiner, 29, also of Johnstown, drew a firearm and shot Wanamaker. Witnesses inside the bar reported hearing at least one gunshot before Wanamaker collapsed to the floor.
Following the shooting, Joiner fled the scene on foot, prompting a police investigation. Surveillance footage from inside the bar proved to be a critical piece of evidence, ultimately leading to Joiner's identification and subsequent arrest. The Cambria County Coroner pronounced Wanamaker dead at the scene.
Joiner was charged with homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm. The investigation and legal proceedings that followed highlighted a history of violence and disorderly operations at The Clubhouse bar. This led to a warning from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to the owner and eventually, the revocation of the bar's liquor license and its permanent closure.
Nijan Joiner, who had a lengthy criminal history, was ultimately sentenced to six to 16 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in connection with Eddie Wanamaker's death. The case brought to light the serious consequences of violence in community establishments and prompted action from local authorities to prevent similar future tragedies.
