Johnstown man arrested in October drive-by shooting that left one person dead

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) – A Johnstown man is facing murder charges for a drive-by shooting that left one person dead and two injured in October.

Mugshot of Branche from the Cambria County Jail

Jamil Branche, 23, is charged after Johnstown Police Department officers were called to Ash Street on Oct. 6 for a report of three people shot, according to a criminal complaint. While on scene, officers were advised that one of the victims, Isaiah Hixon, had succumbed to his injuries.

Through an investigation, police obtained surveillance footage of the killing, which shows both the shooter and the vehicle involved, the affidavit said. Police said footage showed a red Jeep Compass driving toward the 900 block of Ash Street before a man, later identified as Branche, leaned out the rear passenger window and allegedly fired shots at the three victims.

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The Jeep was then tracked throughout the city to the 1200 block of Franklin Street. Police obtained a search warrant for that vehicle and towed it to the Pennsylvania State Police for processing. They also obtained security footage from a home on the 1200 block of Franklin Street, which showed two men getting out of the vehicle just minutes after the shooting.

According to the complaint, Branche was identified through footage as the man who fired the shots that killed Hixon. Police also noted that they had received several tips naming Branche as the shooter.

On November 11, the police received reports from PSP about the search of the car. They indicated that Branche’s fingerprints were found on the rear passenger door and on the interior door handle.

Branche is being held in the Cambria County Jail and bail has been denied. He is charged with murder, aggravated assault, not carrying a firearm without a license and recklessly endangering another person.

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A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 21.

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