Huntingdon, Pennsylvania — A local man who received a 17- to 40-year prison sentence for the voluntary manslaughter of a neighbor plans to appeal his case to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Cole James Campbell, 33, was convicted last October, after the jury found him not guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of 44-year-old Timothy E. Skipper Jr.
Attorney Thomas M. Dickey, representing Campbell, confirmed that he is working on the appeal following the jury’s decision, which also included convictions for two counts of aggravated assault. The convictions stemmed from an incident on April 2, 2022, that escalated from a dispute over speeding along a narrow dirt road used by local residents.
The confrontation began shortly after Campbell allegedly sped past Skipper’s home, prompting the victim to approach Campbell to discuss the situation. Testimonies indicated Skipper, frustrated by Campbell’s driving, intended to propose the installation of speed bumps on Spring Hill Drive, a shared residential road. According to court documents, Skipper was unloading groceries with his wife when Campbell drove by, raising tensions between the two men.
As the situation intensified, Campbell argued that he acted in self-defense during the altercation that followed. He claimed that during a struggle, he shot Skipper in the leg, arm, and chest. However, video footage from a doorbell camera captured pivotal moments leading to the shooting, showing Campbell retrieve an AR-15-style rifle before their confrontation escalated.
Huntingdon County Judge George N. Zanic, who presided over the case, thoroughly analyzed the available evidence, including witness testimonies and the video recordings. In his ruling, Zanic noted that Campbell had ample opportunity to retreat from the situation but instead chose to engage, ultimately deciding to fire his weapon.
The judge expressed grave concerns about Campbell’s lack of remorse following the shooting, criticizing him for failing to assist Skipper as he lay injured. The emotional toll on Skipper’s family was also emphasized during sentencing, contributing to the severity of Campbell’s punishment. Zanic remarked on Campbell’s refusal to acknowledge responsibility, stating that the defendant appeared more concerned with justifying his actions than with the victim’s plight.
After the jury’s verdict, the defense filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence was disproportionately harsh. However, the Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld Campbell’s sentence, indicating that he was not entitled to relief. The judges echoed Zanic’s earlier assessment that Campbell’s claims of self-defense were not persuasive.
As Campbell awaits further resolution in his case, he remains incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale. The outcome of the appeal could significantly influence how similar cases involving self-defense claims are treated within the state’s legal framework.