Second defendant pleads guilty in Winona Avenue case

YOUNGSTOWN — David Belton, 33, pleaded guilty today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and aggravated riot for the death of Shawn Cortez, 17, during a brawl between two families Aug. 17 on Winona Drive.

Prosecutors will ask for an eight-year-sentence at sentencing, which has not been set yet.

Belton is the second defendant in the case today and the sixth of 14 to plead guilty for their roles in the death of Cortez.

A third defendant is currently mulling over a plea bargain with his defense lawyer.