Man pleads to New Years Eve 2013 stabbing death of girlfriend

YOUNGSTOWN — A man accused of the beating and stabbing death of his girlfriend on New Year's Eve 2013 pleaded guilty today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to a charge of murder.

The plea by Larry Johnson, 40, averts a trial that was to begin before Judge Shirley Christian on Monday.

Prosecutors dropped charges of aggravated murder and aggravated robbery in exchange for his plea.

The sentence is 15 years to life in prison.

Johnson is accused of killing 26-year-old Lashea Parker and fleeing in her car. Her body was discovered when neighbors saw her children playing outside in frigid weather.

Prosecutors consulted with the family on the plea.

Attorneys negotiated on Wednesday and for four hours Friday before the deal was reached.