Suspect in slaying pleads guilty

YOUNGSTOWN -- A city man charged in a 2003 homicide pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and will be sentenced Friday.
Steve Gardner, 22, formerly of Ford Avenue, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Monday before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Gardner was charged with murder with a firearms specification in the March 22, 2003, death of Larry Robbins, 39, of Norwood Avenue. Prosecutors said that with evidence suppressed in the case, the reduced charge is appropriate based on remaining evidence available.
Police said Robbins was found in a pool of blood on the sidewalk at 464 Norwood on the North Side. The former Youngstown Pride basketball player had been shot in the back of the head.
Police said Gardner surrendered May 7, 2004, and was charged with murder.