East Side sees 16th homicide

One gunshot was heard; no bullets, shells or casings were found.

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.

In 2006, the South Side had 15 homicides; the East Side had nine, the North Side had seven and the West Side had one.

In 2005, the South Side had 16 homicides; the East Side had 11, the North Side had six and one victim was shot to death downtown at East Federal and East Boardman streets. The total: 34.

In 2004, the South Side had 10 murders; the East Side, five; and the North Side had seven. December was the deadliest month, with five men shot to death, all on the South Side. The total: 22.

In 2003, The North Side recorded seven homicides; the South Side had six; the East Side, four; and the West Side had two. The total: 19.

In 2002, the South Side had 17 homicides; the East Side, eight; the North Side, six; and the West Side, two. The total: 33.