Chamberlain, Dwayne: 2005
Dwayne Merle Chamberlain, age 69, was murdered by his grandson, Thomas Drass, on January 3, 2005. State police charged the Hollidaysburg man with the crime just a few hours after it occurred.
Drass had asked his grandparents to buy him a gun, and they had refused. He then bought a 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition from Dunham’s Discount Sports. That same day, he walked into their Lind’s Crossing home and used it to shoot his grandfather. His grandmother was in the home at the time.
The mental competency of the 21-year-old killer was in doubt from the day of his arrest. District Attorney Richard Consiglio thought there was enough evidence for a charge of first-degree murder.
After undergoing several mental health evaluations, Drass pleaded guilty to third-degree murder on September 25, 2006. Mr. Consiglio planned to ask the sentencing judge for a sentence of 20 to 40 years based on the mitigating circumstances. The deal also meant that the victim’s wife did not have to testify against her grandson. Drass was sentenced on October 4, 2006 to 20 to 40 years. The charge of aggravated assault was nolle prossed, and two other charges were withdrawn.
Drass’ attorney filed an appeal on October 26, 2006. A motion to adjust the sentence was rejected.
Kathryn Chamberlain had sued Dunham’s for negligence, claiming her grandson was functionally illiterate and under the influence of methamphetimes the day of the purchase and shooting. According to the suit, Dunham’s had violated several firearms laws and the store’s own policies. Dunham’s response was that he had displayed no odd behaviors the day of the sale, and had completed the paperwork. Mrs. Chamberlain and her two sons reached a $300,000 settlement against the retailer for loss of companionship and pain and suffering.
Thomas Scott Drass was sent to the Albion State Correctional Institution, on February 27, 2007, in Albion, Erie County, where he remains. It is a medium-security facility with 14-foot-high fences topped with razor wire. Drass returned to court in 2008 after having filed under the Post-Conviction Collateral Relief Act; this was denied.
