Two charged in connection with robbery-homicide

YOUNGSTOWN — Two people who told police they witnessed a St. Patrick’s Day robbery/homicide have been charged with the crime and more suspects are being sought.

Sarah L. Beck, 37, and Hassan Merriweather, 22, were arrested over the weekend and video arraigned Monday in municipal court. Beck is charged with murder and aggravated robbery; Merriweather is charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.

Magistrate Tony Sertick Jr. set Beck’s bond at $1.4 million and Merriweather’s at $250,000. They will be back in court March 31.

Bassil Ally, assistant city prosecutor, told the magistrate that Beck had “a big hand” in preparation and execution of the crime. Demar L. Flores, 18, of Eliot Lane was shot multiple times in the driveway of 54 Rutledge Drive around 9:50 p.m. March 17 and later died at a hospital from his injuries. His funeral was Monday, around the time Beck and Merriweather were being arraigned.

Beck and Merriweather’s new addresses weren’t immediately known. They had been staying at 54 Rutledge but it was deliberately set on fire the day after the shooting.

A third suspect, Charles E. Smith Jr., 29, of East Florida Avenue (last known address) is being sought on murder and aggravated robbery charges, said Capt. Kenneth Centorame, chief of detectives. He expects the investigation will lead to more arrests.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and vindy.com