Judge sentences men to long prison terms for double murder

September 14, 2007 at 4:43p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — The triggerman in a double murder behind a vacant house will serve at least 33 years in prison, and an accomplice who helped him rob the two slain 16-year-olds will serve at least 20 years.

Adopting the prosecution’s sentencing recommendations today, Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court imposed prison terms of 33 years to life on Adrian M. Sims, 17, of West Marion Avenue, and 20 years on Devron Pinkard Jr., 19, of Park Vista Drive.

Sims had pleaded guilty as charged Tuesday to two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated robbery with firearm specifications in the May 20, 2006, slayings of Troy Barlow of Breaden Street and Jaimie Helms of Cornell Street, who were both shot in the head on Park Vista Drive.

Pinkard pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery. A small amount of marijuana, a pair of shoes and possibly a small amount of cash were taken from the victims, the prosecution said.

Six uniformed sheriff’s deputies and their sergeant stood guard in the courtroom as Sims was sentenced.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.