Another defendant in the Winona Avenue brawl mulls deal

YOUNGSTOWN — Jury selection in the case of a 17-year-old who was killed on Winona Drive Aug. 17 has been on hold all morning as one of the defendants has been mulling a plea offer in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Attorneys on both sides have met with Judge Lou D'Apolito in chambers and are close to a deal.

One of the defendants pleaded no contest and was found guilty this morning and two others were expected to be tried today.

With the plea this morning, five of 14 defendants have pleaded guilty for the death of Shawn Cortez, who was killed during a brawl between two families.

Other trials are also set for next week.