East Side is Youngstown’s deadliest

YOUNGSTOWN — This year, the East Side, with 16 homicides, is the deadliest section of the city.

Leonardo Bermudez, 27, of Shehy Street was found shot to death on Bruce Street on the East Side around 12:05 a.m. Thursday. He was seen by a passer-by in the road, just north of Shehy. The passer-by, who was on his way home, called police.

First officers on the scene said the victim was bleeding profusely from the left neck/head area. No bullets, shells or casings were found.

A woman who lives on South Bruce Street told police she heard a gunshot about 10 minutes before officers knocked on her door to ask if she heard or saw anything.

Capt. Kenneth Centorame, chief of detectives, said no witnesses came forward but Detective Sgt. Rick Spotleson was following some leads. Anyone with information is asked to call (330) 742-8911 or 911.

Bermudez’s death is the city’s 37th homicide of the year, compared with 28 at this time last year. The city recorded a total of 32 homicides in 2006.

Typically the heavily populated South Side records the most homicides each year.

For more, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com