Dunbar man involved in New Years assault gets 4 to 10 years after pleading guilty to multiple cases
A Dunbar man who is one of three men accused of breaking into a Connellsville home on New Year’s Day and assaulting two people with a metal baseball bat was sentenced to four to 10 years in prison on multiple cases in Fayette County Court.
When asked by President Judge Leskinen what had led Barry Hall, 36, to a “life of crime,” Hall said ultimately he only had himself to blame.
“I make my own decisions and I accept responsibility,” Hall said. “It’s mostly the drugs and the people I hang around with – but ultimately I make my own decisions.”
Leskinen, who described Hall’s criminal record at length, lauded Hall’s willingness to take responsibility and cooperate with law enforcement during each of his arrests but did not mince words when it came to Hall’s actions.
“I mean, you’re 36 this year, most people are slowing down and settling down and not wasting their lives anymore,” Leskinen said.
Hall along with Joshua Lee Mulnix, 31 of Connellsville; and Travis Ray Burnsworth, 35, of Dunbar are accused of breaking into a home on South Ninth Street in Connellsville, and beating Alex Hice and Brianna Williams, on New Year’s Day.
According to police, Charles Sandovol, who lived with Hice and Williams, reported to police that three men knocked on their door and entered the home. Police contend that Mulnix and Hall made their way upstairs and assaulted the two over a $100 winning lottery ticket while Burnsworth kept watch on the first floor.
Leskinen asked Hall how he knew the victim, to which he replied he had no prior relationship until the assault.
“To be honest with you, your honor, I didn’t know them, personally. I never met them until that day,” Hall said.
Mulnix and Burnsworth are currently awaiting trial.
Before sentencing, Hall’s defense attorney Nick Clark told Judge Leskin he believed a four to 10 year prison sentence was “more than enough” time to both punish and rehabilitate his client.
“I believe it’s appropriate because my client has taken responsibility for his actions,” Clark said, noting that when Hall was found to be in possession of an illegal firearm, the gun was not loaded, and he had informed officers that he was carrying it.
Hall is currently awaiting trial for another case where he was charged with Identity theft and insurance fraud.