Man who killed drug dealer sentenced for drug trafficking

YOUNGSTOWN — David Klamer Jr., who fatally shot a drug dealer who tried to rob him, has been sentenced to three years in prison, not for the slaying, but for aggravated drug trafficking.

Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court imposed the sentence today on Klamer, 49, of Randolph Street, who had earlier pleaded guilty to the drug charge.

Because the sentence adopted by the judge was agreed to by the prosecution and defense, it is nonappealable.

The prosecution dropped the murder charge it had filed against Klamer because Klamer acted in self-defense, said Martin P. Desmond, assistant county prosecutor.

Last year, a jury convicted another man, Larese Jones, of the murder of Richard Helms, and of aggravated robbery and aggravated drug trafficking.

Police said Jones, 30, of Wampum Drive, told them he drove Helms, 43, of Himrod Avenue, to Klamer’s home Feb. 22, 2007, knowing Helms planned to sell OxyContin to Klamer and then rob him.

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