A Lancaster city man was recently sentenced up to 20 years in prison on charges of third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit third-degree murder, and carrying a firearm without a license.

Brian J. Paltan, 24 of the 600 block of Hershey Ave., was sentenced by Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker on June 28 after pleading guilty to the charges that resulted in the death of Tyreek Gardner in May 2019.

Ryan Rivera, the triggerman in the murder, was convicted of third-degree murder in November 2021 and sentenced to 40-80 years in prison in January 2022.

First Deputy District Attorney Travis Anderson presented evidence at Rivera’s trial that Rivera and Paltan confronted Gardner on the 300 block of E. Fulton St. after Rivera and Gardner had crossed paths earlier in the night.

Paltan punched Gardner, who ran from them on Tobacco Ave. toward N. Shippen St. Rivera and Paltan each fired at the victim but did not strike him. Shell casings were recovered on Tobacco Ave.

Rivera and Paltan returned to the corner of E. Fulton St. and N. Plum St. and video footage showed Rivera pointing at Gardner as he ran by onto Chestnut St.

Shortly after, Rivera and Paltan got into a Volkswagen Passat, which was captured on video surveillance driving down Chestnut St. to catch up with the victim. Additional video captured the audio of the shots being fired.

Paltan entered an open guilty plea on May 12, meaning there was no agreement with the Commonwealth on the term of sentence. Judge Reinaker imposed an aggregate sentence of 8-20 years on the third-degree murder and conspiracy charges; the 1-5-year sentence on the carrying a firearm without a license charge ran concurrently.

The victim’s mother, Paltan’s sister, and Paltan himself all spoke during the proceeding. The victim’s mother asked Judge Reinaker for the same sentence as Rivera.

Paltan’s sister spoke about how her brother had gotten involved with the wrong crowd but was always a generous person willing to help anyone.

Paltan apologized to the family and friends of Tyreek Gardner while saying he made the choice to the tell the truth. Paltan testified at Rivera’s trial and cooperated with the investigation.

“I made myself a target by telling the truth,” Paltan said.

Judge Reinaker noted Paltan’s lack of a criminal record prior to these offenses and his cooperation with the investigation as factors in his decision but couldn’t forget that he was also involved in the murder.

First Deputy DA Anderson prosecuted the case.

Assistant District Attorney Elaine Preli assisted with the prosecution.

Lancaster City Bureau of Police Detective Sergeant Thomas Ginder filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.