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Four-year court ordeal for family of slain real estate agent ends today
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Robert S. Brooks, 29, of Castalia Avenue sits at the defense table during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
YOUNGSTOWN
Today, members of the family of slain real-estate agent Vivian Martin will see the end of their four-year court ordeal as Visiting Judge Lee Sinclair sentences Grant P. Cooper at 9 a.m.
Court documents say Cooper killed Martin, 67, by strangulation Sept. 20, 2010, in a Nelson Avenue home she was showing, which was set afire to cover up the homicide.
Prosecutors are recommending 29 years in prison for Cooper, 25, of Sulgrave Drive, Brookfield, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson and kidnapping.
On Wednesday, members of Martin’s family expressed satisfaction with the sentence of life in prison without parole, which Judge Sinclair imposed on co- defendant Robert S. Brooks, 29, of Castalia Avenue.
Brooks had earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson and kidnapping in Martin’s death.
Brooks also pleaded guilty to the Sept. 15, 2010, aggravated robbery and kidnapping of another real-estate agent showing a Boardman apartment complex, who survived that ordeal.
“It’s been four years of hell for everybody. We can finally put some closure” to the case, said Martin’s oldest daughter, Donna James.
“It’s been a very long time for the Martin family, and we just are so thankful that justice was served today,” said Martin’s cousin, Tanya Reid, after the judge pronounced sentence on Brooks.
“He shows no genuine remorse. ... He methodically called these Realtors and made appointments to go out and make this happen,” Dawn Cantalamessa. assistant county prosecutor, said of Brooks.
“It took studied concentration to get these to happen ... this was premeditated; it was thought out, and it was practiced,” Cantalamessa said, calling for life without parole for Brooks.
Both defendants avoided trials and escaped the death penalty by entering their plea agreements with the prosecution.
“He’s a menace to society, and I would like him to do life without parole,” said Davida Brown, Martin’s daughter, in a victim-impact statement during Wednesday’s nearly day-long sentencing hearing.
Seeking a sentence less than life in prison without parole, Brooks’ lawyer, Ron Yarwood said the post-traumatic stress disorder his client was suffering from after his military service was “not an excuse, but an explanation” for Brooks’ criminal behavior.
Yarwood read a statement from Brooks, in which Brooks said the crimes he committed were “by far the absolute lowest point I’ve been in my life” and that he was “truly remorseful for the pain I’ve caused.”
Most of the morning was devoted to defense witnesses, who testified that Brooks suffered from a nomadic childhood, as he and his family tried to escape his abusive father, and also that Brooks suffered from PTSD after being seriously wounded in Iraq during his Army combat service.
“Robert Brooks’ post traumatic stress disorder is severe and extreme. It’s one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen,” testified Dr. Thomas Swales, a neuropsychologist.
PTSD can contribute to homicidal behavior, Dr. Swales said. “It’s not a causal factor, but it’s a contributing factor,” he explained. The disorder impairs the brain’s capacity to self-regulate, said Dr. Sandra McPherson, a forensic psychologist.
Brooks’ other lawyer, James Gentile, said he’d have to consult with Brooks about a possible appeal.