On Friday, September 20, 2024, The Citizen’s Voice reported that the trial of Frangel Garcia Andujar, the man accused of a fatal shooting at an underage drinking party in Hazleton, may face further delays due to the recusal of a Luzerne County judge. Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. announced his withdrawal from the case after a recent conference involving Assistant District Attorney James McMonagle and defense attorney Larry Kansky.
Garcia Andujar, 22, from Freeland, is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Stanley B. Jimson Jr., who was a senior and a member of the wrestling team at Hazleton Area Career Center. The shooting occurred on March 6, 2022, when five individuals were shot during a gathering at 182 S. Wyoming St., resulting in one fatality and four injuries.
Originally, Garcia Andujar was set to begin trial on December 1, 2024. However, following Judge Sklarosky’s recusal, which stemmed from a potential conflict of interest involving his law clerk, Jessica Miraglia—who previously worked as an assistant district attorney on the case—the trial has been canceled.
Court officials have since been instructed to assign the case to a different judge, but it remains unclear when Garcia Andujar will be given a new trial date.
Source: The Citizen’s Voice
