Police have filed additional charges in connection with the alleged triple stabbing at a Girardville bar last month.
These new charges detail the alleged roles of two more suspects in a chaotic brawl involving pool balls, death threats, and a planned confrontation.
The violence at Guntown Bar and Billiards on N. Second St., which occurred on the night of Nov. 22-23, resulted in three people, including two of the alleged aggressors and a bartender, being transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East in Pottsville for stab wounds.
According to new court documents filed by State Police this week, investigators have identified Anthony Welikonich, 35, of Frackville, and Mandi Beaman, 28, of Berwick, as key participants in the assault alongside Hayley Hammer, who was previously charged.
Police allege the attack was premeditated, sparked by a Facebook post made by patron Colby Kupusnick regarding Hammer’s deceased brother, Danyel Miller. Miller had been killed in a three-vehicle crash along Interstate 81 earlier in the month.
In an interview with investigators, Welikonich reportedly admitted the group had gathered at The Chopping Block prior to the incident specifically to confront Kupusnick at Guntown.
Police say surveillance footage captures the group arriving at the bar. The video reportedly depicts Hammer and Beaman walking toward the entrance, where Beaman is allegedly heard stating, “Drag him out.”
Hammer reportedly responded, “I’m not dragging him out bro, I’m gonna (bleeping) do it right in here.”
The footage shows the pair entering the bar and making contact with a bartender who pointed Kupusnick out to them. Police say Hammer walked behind Kupusnick, who was seated at the bar, and began striking him multiple times with a closed fist.
As the altercation escalated, police allege Beaman actively joined the assault. The affidavit states she threw a pool ball at Kupusnick, which appeared to strike him.
When another bartender attempted to shield Kupusnick from the attack, investigators say Beaman physically intervened. The affidavit alleges she pushed Griffiths out of the way and then struck Kupusnick in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Griffiths told police he suffered a laceration to his left ribs from a knife during the scuffle.
Troopers noted that Hammer was heard yelling “I am going to kill you” three times during the assault.
According to the affidavit, Welikonich joined the fray as the fight progressed. The video reportedly shows Welikonich attempting to strike Kupusnick, pushing him to the ground, and striking him multiple times.
The violence continued as other individuals joined in. Police say they observed an “unidentified Hispanic male wearing white” stomp on Kupusnick’s head while he was down.
During the melee, police say the video shows the moment Welikonich was likely injured. His shirt lifted, exposing his back, which investigators identified as the moment he was stabbed. Shortly after, he walked away and checked his shoulder for blood. Hammer was also seen on video limping away, having suffered a stab wound to the leg.
In initial interviews at the hospital, Welikonich claimed the “entire bar” went after Kupusnick only after Hammer was struck. However, police say the surveillance footage contradicts this, showing the group initiating the violence.
Hammer also initially claimed she only went to the bar to confront Kupusnick verbally, but later admitted to striking him first. She told troopers she “knew she shouldn’t have went [sic] in there.”
Kupusnick, who was interviewed at the police barracks, told investigators he was sitting at the bar when he was knocked out of his chair and beaten by multiple people. He confirmed he had made the Facebook post in question but stated he had already removed it because people were offended.
Welikonich is now facing charges of simple assault and harassment and has been ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 28, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.
Beaman has been charged with a single misdemeanor count of simple assault and two summary counts of harassment. Her preliminary hearing is also on Jan. 28 in Frackville.
Police previously charged Hammer with two misdemeanor counts of making terroristic threats and simple assault and two summary counts of harassment. The new affidavits detail the allegations against Welikonich and Beaman as part of the ongoing investigation.
RELATED:
3 Stabbed During Bar Fight in Girardville
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...