Defendant gets probation in 2012 gunbattle on North Side

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man has been sentenced to three years’ probation for what a prosecutor said was his role in a Dec. 14, 2012, gunbattle on the city’s North Side, in which police said some 43 shots were fired outside a Lora Avenue residence.

After he pleaded guilty to a felonious-assault charge, Ricky M. Easterly, 32, of Grandview Avenue, drew the sentence today from Judge Lou A. D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who ordered Easterly to get a job, pay child support and undergo random drug testing.

Sentencing for his co-defendant, Richard W. LaBooth Jr., 35, of East Avondale Avenue, has been postponed one month while he undergoes medical treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs.

Jeff Davis, an assistant county prosecutor, said he’s recommending five years in prison for LaBooth, who pleaded guilty to felonious assault with a firearm specification.

“LaBooth was the shooter. Easterly could be placed at the scene, but not shooting,” Davis said, explaining why he’s seeking prison time for LaBooth and sought probation for Easterly.

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