Woman gets 10 years in slaying

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

YOUNGSTOWN — A woman convicted of complicity to a robbery and homicide in 2008 will spend the next 10 years in prison.

Sarah L. Beck, 38, pleaded guilty to complicity to involuntary manslaughter and complicity to aggravated robbery in the shooting death of Demar L. Flores, 18, of Elliot Lane.

Beck initially had been charged with murder and aggravated robbery, for which she could have served a life sentence.

Police said the investigation revealed a planned robbery, in which Flores was lured to Beck’s home on Rutledge Drive by someone who called him before Flores was shot multiple times March 17, 2008.

A handcuffed and shackled Beck wearing the county-issued orange jumpsuit appeared Thursday before Judge Maureen Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing.

Rob Andrews, assistant county prosecutor, told the court Beck had received enough of a break with the reduction in charges and asked that she be given the maximum 10-year sentence. Beck could have been sentenced to 10-year consecutive terms on each charge, but prosecutors agreed to ask for the sentences to run concurrently in exchange for her cooperation in the investigation.

Atty. Heidi Hanni, representing Beck, told the court that Beck’s participation in the crime stemmed from a serious drug addiction. She also reminded the court that Beck’s cooperation caused other people involved in the criminal act to plead guilty to various crimes.

Hanni said her client has remorse for what happened to Flores.

“Because of this botched robbery, Demar Flores lost his life. She has indicated to me that not a day goes by where she does not think about Demar Flores,” Hanni said. “I see the remorse in her face.”

Beck was given an opportunity to address the court and turned to the three members of Flores’ family in the courtroom and simply said, “I am just sorry this happened to Demar.” None of the victim’s family members made a statement before sentencing.

Judge Sweeney imposed 10-year prison sentences on both charges. Those sentences are to run concurrently. Beck also will receive credit for the 499 days she has spent in jail awaiting trial.

Hassan Merriweather, 23, formerly of Rutledge, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery for his role in the crime and is awaiting sentencing. Charles E. Smith Jr., 31, of East Florida Avenue, received a 13-year prison sentence for his role in the robbery and murder.

A jury acquitted another defendant, Reginald Gilchrist Jr., 26, of Mistletoe Avenue, of complicity to aggravated murder and complicity to aggravated robbery.