"Mastermind" apologizes for robbery/murder

The last of four defendants in the robbery/murder of a Youngstown man in August 2005 has been sent to prison.

Andrea Kimble, 23, of Green Acres Drive, Youngstown, described by prosecutors as the mastermind behind the robbery of Matthew J. Saunders, was ordered to spend 21 years to life in prison today by Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge Maureen A. Sweeney.

Kimble broke into tears during a public apology immediately before sentencing. She said that Saunders, 40, of Youngstown, was a friend of hers, and she never meant for him to be injured.

Prosecutors said evidence presented at Kimble's trial showed that she planned the robbery but apparently had no knowledge that a co-defendant, Marcus Thomas, 21, of East Warren Avenue, Youngstown, was going to shoot Saunders.

Thomas is serving 23 years to life on guilty pleas to murder and aggravated robbery with a firearm specification.

Two other defendants have also been sentenced.

Jawan Johnson, 26, of East Judson Avenue, Youngstown, is serving a 13-year sentence on a guilty plea to aggravated robbery with a firearm specification and Laticia Alexander, 30, of East Warren Avenue is serving seven years on a guilty plea to complicity to commit aggravated robbery.