BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Brian Andy Pantoja, age 24, was 22 when he was arrested following an incident in October 2022 where a victim had been shot in chest at a large gathering in a residence. The victim was later declared deceased at the scene.
According to documents filed in the case, an altercation between Pantoja and the victim occurred at the gathering. This altercation led to Pantoja shooting the victim in the chest and fleeing the scene. The victim and Pantoja had previous encounters, including at least 1 that left Pantoja with injuries.
Pantoja pled guilty in November 2024 and was sentenced January 9, 2025, to 254 months (over 21 years) in prison with credit for time served followed by 3 years in community custody. 254 months is the high end of the standard sentencing range.
Pantoja had prior felony convictions for 2nd-degree robbery and 2nd-degree taking of a motor vehicle without owner permission.
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