Scott Thomas Garlick, a 19-year-old male from Altoona, PA, tragically lost his life on April 6, 2009. He was employed at a Subway restaurant on 58th Street in Altoona and was a senior at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, preparing for graduation and college life. Garlick was known for his involvement in soccer, electronics studies, and his passion for music.
On the day of his death, Nicholas A.
Horner, a 28-year-old Army veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from his deployments in Iraq, entered the Subway restaurant with the intent to rob it. Horner opened fire at the restaurant's back door, killing Garlick and seriously wounding another employee, Michele Petty. Horner then fled the scene and continued his violent spree, ultimately killing 64-year-old Raymond Williams in the Ellenberger apartment complex parking lot.
The prosecution argued that Horner was attempting to rob the Subway and was enamored with the gun he was carrying, which his father had given him for protection. The defense claimed that Horner was having a flashback to the battlefield due to his PTSD and was not aware of his actions. Despite the defense's argument, Horner was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The tragic events of April 6, 2009, not only resulted in the loss of Scott Thomas Garlick but also highlighted the devastating impact of PTSD on individuals and their communities. The bravery and compassion shown by those present during the incident, including Cynthia Harker, who attempted to stop the bleeding of Garlick, and the Altoona police officers who pursued Horner, were notable aspects of the day.
Garlick's death left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the community, and a memorial scholarship was established in his honor to support students pursuing electronics technology.
