Pocono News Section

Deadly Bar Fight in Lycoming County

Deadly Bar Fight in Lycoming County - Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8:06PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka & Eric Deabill
Saturday, Mar 1, 2008 @08:06pm EST
MUNCY, LYCOMING COUNTY - One man is dead and another facing criminal charges after a Friday night bar fight in Lycoming County.

Muncy Police say 31-year-old Jeremy Ball is facing third degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the fight, which happened inside Papagallo's Tavern. Police say Ball ended-up killing 32-year-old Jason Sanner.

"They were pushing back and forth, arguing and during the confrontation, Mr. Ball hit Mr. Sanner twice about the face and head," Muncy police chief Richard Sutton said.

After the blows, Sanner fell back and hit his head on concrete and went unconscious. There were more than 30 people in the bar at the time and attempts to save the victim were unsuccessful.

"There were indications that Sanner was stating something about Jeremy Ball's ex-wife and that's when the initial push and shove started to take place," Chief Sutton said.

Police say they didn't have to go far to catch their suspect. After the fight, Ball simply went back to the bar and continued to drink his beer.

News of the fatal fight spread quickly in Lycoming County, shocking many, since these are the first murder charges filed in Muncy borough in 11 years.

"I'm just glad I wasn't there," Dan Diehl said.

"I knew a lot of people who go there and I've never really heard anything bad, other than the usual," Kimberly Gordner said.

Court papers indicate that Ball is claiming the fight was in self-defense. He is locked-up tonight without bail in Lycoming County and faces a preliminary hearing next week.