New Kensington man pleads guilty in 2021 drive-by shooting case

A New Kensington man accused in a drive-by shooting pleaded guilty Tuesday while his co-defendant got a new lawyer.

Isaac A. Weihrauch, 20, was sentenced to five to 10 years in a state prison under a plea agreement with Westmoreland County prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, attempted aggravated assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.

More serious charges of attempted homicide were withdrawn by prosecutors as part of the agreement.

One man was hurt in the shooting June 19, 2021, in the East Ken Manor area of New Kensington.

Weihrauch and his co-defendant, Ernest Gary IV, 20, were 17 at the time of their arrests. Gary did not have a hometown listed in court records.

Weihrauch drove the getaway car while Gary is accused of firing at two people, said Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears.

Assistant District Attorney Steven Reddy said he discussed the plea agreement with the two victims.

“They both agreed to this resolution,” he said.

Weihrauch was given credit for time served since July 9, 2021.

Mears appointed a new attorney for Gary after public defender Michael Garofalo said communication between them has broken down.

“I don’t believe I can continue representing him,” Garofalo said.

Gary agreed. Garofalo said Gary was offered a sentence of six to 12 years in exchange for a guilty plea. The pair discussed the offer from prosecutors extensively, Garofalo said.

Mears approved Garofalo’s motion to withdraw and appointed attorney Emily Smarto to replace him.

Gary is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and related offenses. He remains jailed without bail.