Man watched twin brother die after attack by total stranger while they waited to pick up their dad

A Pennsylvania man named Daniel Moles was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and attempted homicide following a fatal shooting at a bar in Upper Burrell.

According to authorities, the attack targeted twin brothers who were waiting inside an establishment to pick up their father, leaving one brother dead and the other uninjured during the unprovoked incident.

Incident Overview

According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, the shooting occurred on Nov. 13, 2021, at Woodpeckers Grub and Pub in Upper Burrell, Pennsylvania. Thirty-one-year-old Randy Jenereaux and his twin brother Andy Jenereaux were waiting inside the bar to pick up their father, who worked as a cook at the location. Daniel Moles, a total stranger to the brothers, fired two rounds from across the bar toward them.

One bullet struck Randy Jenereaux in the hand and wrist after passing through his beer glass, ultimately lodging in his chest. Andy Jenereaux was not physically injured in the attack. The surviving brother managed to get Randy back to their vehicle and attempted to drive him to a hospital, but Randy Jenereaux succumbed to his injuries and died in the car on the way.

Timeline of Events

1. Nov. 13, 2021: Randy Jenereaux and Andy Jenereaux wait inside Woodpeckers Grub and Pub in Upper Burrell, Pennsylvania, to pick up their father.
2. Nov. 13, 2021: Daniel Moles fires two rounds from across the bar toward the brothers without any prior altercation or known relationship.
3. Nov. 13, 2021: Randy Jenereaux is struck by a bullet and later dies in a vehicle while his brother attempts to transport him to the hospital.
4. Wednesday: Daniel Moles is formally sentenced in court following a jury trial resulting in guilty verdicts.

Suspect Information

The suspect is identified as 66-year-old Daniel Moles. According to reports from local media and the district attorney's office, Moles and the victims did not know each other, and investigators found no evidence of any prior altercation or interaction between Moles and the brothers before the shooting took place.

Victim Information

The victims were 31-year-old twin brothers Randy Jenereaux and Andy Jenereaux. Randy Jenereaux was killed in the shooting after being struck by gunfire inside the bar. Andy Jenereaux survived the incident uninjured and attempted to drive his brother to the hospital for medical treatment before Randy passed away.

Police Response

Local law enforcement and emergency responders coordinated efforts following the shooting, while the surviving brother attempted an emergency transport to the hospital, leading to subsequent investigations by regional authorities and prosecutors.

Investigation

The investigation into the homicide was conducted by local authorities and the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office. Investigators established that the shooting was entirely unprovoked, as the perpetrator and the victims were strangers to one another and had no prior contact or dispute at the bar.

Evidence Collected

• Two rounds fired from across the bar by the suspect
• A beer glass struck by a bullet
• Ballistic evidence including the projectile that lodged in the victim's chest
• Vehicular transport used during the emergency transit of the victim

Arrest Details

Following the investigation and subsequent prosecution, Daniel Moles faced trial before a jury, which resulted in guilty verdicts on charges of first-degree murder and attempted homicide, culminating in his sentencing on Wednesday.

Charges Filed

• First-degree murder: An intentional, premeditated killing of another human being. Under Pennsylvania law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in the custody of the Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.
• Attempted homicide: Taking a substantial step toward intentionally causing the death of another person. Moles received a consecutive sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison for this charge in connection with the attack on Andy Jenereaux.

Court Information

The case was prosecuted through the Westmoreland County legal system. Daniel Moles was sentenced on Wednesday by the court after a jury returned guilty verdicts on the charges brought by prosecutors.

Statements from Authorities

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli addressed the timing of the sentencing, calling it a painful reminder of the tragedy. Ziccarelli noted that the day Moles was sentenced marked what would have been the twin brothers' 36th birthday.

Public Safety Information

Gun violence and sudden violent crimes can create acute trauma and distress for victims, families, and communities. Free and confidential support is available for individuals affected by violence. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For emergencies, always dial 911 immediately.

What Happens Next

Following sentencing in a criminal case, the convicted defendant enters the state correctional system to begin serving the mandated term of imprisonment. The defendant retains standard rights to appeal the verdict or sentence through appellate courts, while the trial court case is considered concluded upon the imposition of the final judgment and sentence.