2 women plead guilty in Winona Avenue homicide case

YOUNGSTOWN — After guilty pleas today from two women for their connection to the death of Shawn Cortez, 17, on the South Side last August, there now remains 11 people whose cases are still open in the homicide.

Carlisha Hammonds, 19 and Rouxje Ezell, 20, each pleaded guilty in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to a charge of aggravated riot.

Assistant Prosecutor Martin Desmond told Judge Lou D’Apolito that in exchange for their pleas, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of involuntary manslaughter against both women.

Prosecutors are recommending probation as a sentence. Sentencing dates for the women have not been set.

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