43
Youngstown woman likely to be released on probation
YOUNGSTOWN
One of three women facing felony charges in a 2011 dispute that led to a day of violence between two groups of women likely will be released on probation.
Shalena Clark, 38, her daughter Rayshawnda Clark, 20, and Darlesha Jones, 19, were arrested after an ongoing feud between two groups of women that ended with the attempted use of a gun in July of last year.
Jones, of Brooklyn Avenue, had been charged with one count of complicity to felonious assault, but entered into a plea agreement Monday before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court wherein that charge was amended to aggravated assault.
Jones could be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison on the amended charge, but prosecutors are recommending she be placed on probation. Judge Evans is not obligated to follow that recommendation when Jones is sentenced Sept. 20.
Rayshawnda Clark, charged with attempted murder, three counts of felonious assault and two counts of criminal damaging, has a trial date set for later this month.
Shalena Clark, charged with two counts of attempted murder, is scheduled for trial Sept. 17.
A witness at an earlier court hearing described a day full of violent episodes between the Clarks, Jones and three other women beginning in the early morning hours when Rayshawnda Clark reportedly used a large wrench to break out the windows of a Ford Explorer belonging to another woman.
The witness said Rayshawnda Clark also cut her with a pair of scissors.
The witness told the court the violence continued later that same day with the Clark women allegedly hurling rocks at an Avondale Avenue home while the three victims in the case slept inside.
The witness told the court the day culminated at the Brooklyn Avenue home where the Clarks and Jones lived. She said she and her mother went to the home to speak with the women about the ongoing feud, but a fight broke out.
The witness said one of her friends was beaten with pots and pans then sprayed with oven cleaner. The witness said Shalena Clark pulled out a small silver gun and pointed it at the head of her friend and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire.
The witness added that Rayshawnda Clark took the gun and pointed it at a general crowd of people and pulled the trigger, but the weapon did not fire.