Zachary Scott Smola

On October 3, 2024, in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, 60-year-old Zachary Scott Smola was fatally shot by his neighbor, 51-year-old David Jenkins. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Longview Drive, where Smola was operating a lawn tractor. Jenkins confronted Smola, initiating a physical altercation during which he attempted to choke him. The confrontation escalated, leading Jenkins to retrieve an AR-47 rifle from his vehicle and shoot Smola in the head from approximately 10 feet away.

Immediately following the shooting, Jenkins drove to the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Hollidaysburg, arriving at 6:38 p.m., where he turned himself in, stating, "I'm here to turn myself in... for murder." He alleged that Smola had molested him and his sister about 40 years earlier when they were children and expressed frustration over unsuccessful attempts to bring Smola to justice through official channels. Jenkins had filed a private criminal complaint on September 17, 2024, regarding these allegations and had contacted the Blair County District Attorney's Office on the day of the shooting to inquire about the status of his complaint, reportedly finding the response unsatisfactory.

Witnesses corroborated the sequence of events leading to Smola's death. One neighbor reported hearing a loud bang and observing Jenkins' white Ford Focus leaving the scene, with Smola lying in the roadway. Another witness recounted seeing Jenkins pull Smola off the lawn mower, engage in a physical fight, and subsequently shoot him before placing the rifle back into his vehicle and departing.

Jenkins was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and other related offenses. During a preliminary hearing on October 17, 2024, some charges, including strangulation and tampering with evidence, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Jenkins' defense attorney indicated that the defense would focus on Jenkins' state of mind, citing the historical abuse allegations as a significant factor. The investigation into Jenkins' claims against Smola is ongoing.

As of now, Jenkins remains in custody at the Blair County Prison without bail, awaiting further court proceedings. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the tragic outcome of the confrontation.