City man gets 15-years-to-life sentence in stabbing death

YOUNGSTOWN — Larry Johnson, 40, of Shelby Toad, sentenced to 15 years to life in prison today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for the New Years Eve 2013 beating and stabbing death of his 26-year-old girlfriend, LaShea Parker, inside their home

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge Friday before Judge Shirley Christian, averting a trial that was to begin today.

Members of Parker's family spoke to the judge before the sentencing.

Police said Parker was killed in front of her young children. At least two of those children were expected to testify if the case went to trial.