Fisher

HOLLIDAYSBURG — One of the Altoona teenagers allegedly involved in the 2024 New Year’s Day shooting was given about a month to mull over a possible plea deal offered Tuesday by the Blair County District Attorney’s Office.

James William Fisher, 20, was offered five to 20 years’ incarceration in a state correctional facility to resolve the case in which he’s facing single felony counts of criminal attempt criminal homicide, conspiracy – criminal homicide, and related charges. He was taken into custody on Feb. 14, 2024, and has been held at the Blair County Prison in lieu of $250,000.

Fisher appeared in court alongside defense attorney Scott Pletcher for a hearing on his habeas corpus petition, on which President Judge Wade A. Kagarise said he would enter a ruling before Fisher’s next court appearance on March 12.

First District Attorney Nichole Smith told Kagarise she and District Attorney Pete Weeks continued their opposition to the petition, due to its timeliness and substance.

Smith then informed Kagarise of the DA’s Office attempt at resolving the case that day by offering Fisher five to 20 years’ imprisonment, but Fisher had asked to be given until his hearing on March 12 to make a decision.

Kagarise ultimately granted the request.

Fisher was one of seven teenagers arrested and charged in 2024 after shots were fired along the 700 block of Fourth Street in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. An ensuing police investigation found it was a planned act of gang violence following a long-standing dispute.

A bullet reportedly went through the window of an occupied residence and several bullets struck other areas of the building, as well as a garage, storage facility and dumpster. No one was reported injured, the police report states.

Domenico Pezzuti, Imeen Whitaker, Ezekiel Williams, Hezikiah N. Stehley and Jay Seville were also arrested and have charges pending. Eli James Rodgers had his case transferred to juvenile court in March 2025, where he was adjudicated delinquent and will be under supervision until he turns 21.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor-Musselman is at 814-946-7458.