Man sentenced in Guthrie robbery, murder

YOUNGSTOWN — The last defendant in the robbery/slaying of Marilyn Guthrie of Niles was handed a 10-year prison sentence this morning.

Anthony D. Johnson, 18, of Steel Street, was sentenced in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court and given 10 years each on charges of kidnapping, robbery and involuntary manslaughter. The sentences will be served concurrently, and Johnson will get credit for the 18 months he's been in jail while his case made its way through the court system.

Prosecutors said Johnson, who pleaded guilty to the three counts, was instrumental in their winning a conviction against Benjamin Beshara, 31, of Niles who was found guiltity of aggravated murder, kidnapping and robbery in Guthrie's death. Johnson testified against Beshara at trial.

Beshara planned the robbery and killed Guthrie by running over her twice with her own car, authorities said. Beshar was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 10 years each on the kidnapping and robbery counts. Johnson and two 15-year-old boys helped in the abduction.

The 15-year-olds involved pleaded guilty to kidnapping in county juvenile court and were sentenced to a minimum of one year in detention.