Mitchell gets 30 years to life for murder of Warren diner owner

WARREN — “Fred, in defense of his business, his employees and his son, lost his life,” Kim DeVengencie tearfully told Judge John M. Stuard of her father-in-law, Fred DeVengencie, 89, who died of a gunshot to the neck inside Freddie’s Diner last August.

Kim DeVengencie also spoke Thursday of how she and her 17-year-old son coped for three weeks while her husband, Anthony DeVengencie, 70, remained in a coma after being shot in the face during the robbery at the North Park Avenue restaurant.

Her remarks were directed at Judge Stuard of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, who later sentenced Youngstown man Ardeed I. Mitchell, 28, to a prison term of 30 years to life for killing the elder DeVengencie and attempting to kill Anthony during a robbery gone bad.

After Kim DeVengencie spoke, Mitchell, of Livingston Street, turned from Judge Stuard to address the DeVengencie family sitting in the gallery.

“I know you’re mad at me. I’m mad at myself,” he said, mentioning how often he prays about what happened.

“Yes, I did what I did, but I never meant to kill somebody. I’m sorry. If you can, find it in your heart to forgive me.”

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