Delco Teen Gets 25-50 Years in East Norriton Bowling Alley Shooting

NORRISTOWN, PA —A Delaware County teen who killed one man and injured four others at an East Norriton Township bowling alley was sentenced Wednesday to 25 to 50 years in state prison.

Jamel Barnwell, 19, of East Lansdowne pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court here to third-degree murder and aggravated assault in the Feb. 20, 2021 death of Frank Wade, 29, in the Our Town Bowling Alley.

Four victims were shot in the legs. They were Yahnirr Brooks, 22; Shamirwe Jones, 32, Robert Oliver, 26, and Ahmir Simmons.

All five victims are related and were at the bowling alley together.

According to an account of the sentencing hearing in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Barnwell said little during the hearing before Montgomery County Judge William Carpenter, who accepted the sentence negotiated between Barnwell’s attorney and county prosecutors.

Wade’s loved ones packed the courtroom, weeping quietly as the events of that day were recalled. Wade’s brother-in-law and grandmother testified and said Barnwell’s actions had torn their family apart.

“I will not forget what you did, but I will forgive you,” the victim’s grandmother, Gladys Wade, said. “I want to see justice served to the max.”

Barnwell’s attorney, Thomas Egan, said Barnwell regretted his actions, and was sorry he brought his weapon to the bowling alley.