UPDATE: Moreland, Moncrief get lengthy prison terms

YOUNGSTOWN — Joseph Moreland will spend the next 17 years in prison for a litany of crimes including murder.

Moreland was set for trial today, but pleaded to two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping and various drug charges.

The charges cover two separate cases and multiple murders.

Moreland, 28 and Kenneth Moncrief, 26, of Fairgreen Avenue, were set for trial in the 2009 murders of Jaron L. Roland, 20, of Fairmont Avenue, and Darry B. Woods-Burt Jr., 19, of the city’s North Side.

The victims, who were described by family members at the time as inseparable first cousins, were found inside a burning car on West Avenue near the Mahoning River in August 2009. Both men were bound with duct tape, and bags had been placed over their heads.

Moreland is also charged with aggravated murder and robbery in the shooting death of Brian Greer, 32, of Republic Avenue, who was killed March 29 on Lauderdale Avenue.

Shortly before 1 p.m. today, Judge Sweeney sentenced Moncrief to 15 years to life, after he pleaded guilty to these charges: two counts of murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of arson.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com