Brandon Clinkscale sentenced to six years in prison

YOUNGSTOWN — A man who entered guilty pleas for the death of a man during a 2009 shootout was sentenced to six years in prison today.

Brandon Clinkscale, 29, received the sentence from Judge John Durkin in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court after he entered an Alford Plea on Wednesday just after his trial began.

An Alford Plea means a defendant maintains his innocence but admits there is enough evidence to convict him.

Clinkscale entered pleas to charges of involuntary manslaughter, being a felon in possession of a firearm, felonious assault and a firearm specification for the Feb. 21, 2009 death of Melkanoe Bowman inside a home in the 900 block of Delaware Avenue and the wounding off a 6-year-old boy in a nearby home who was struck by a stray bullet in the foot as he slept.

The sentence was recommended by prosecutors and Judge Durkin upheld their recommendation.

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