Settle disputes through 911 or cop, not with gun, Judge D'Apolito tells ex-felon

YOUNGSTOWN

Judge Lou D’Apolito on Thursday told a man he was sentencing to seven years in prison for a shooting last October that there are better ways for an ex-felon to settle disputes than with a gun.

“That’s why they got 911. That’s why they got police stations,” the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge said.

Sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm was Maurice Christian, 29. His brother, Terrian Christian, 26, was sentenced to six years in prison on the same charges.

Both men tried to withdraw their pleas just before the hearing began, with Terrian Christian saying he was innocent and forced to take a plea, and his brother saying he’s upset there are other people he thinks were involved who were never charged.

The judge rejected their motions, but he did say they could appeal his decision if they wish.

The two were being sentenced for the Oct. 25, 2015, shooting of DeAngelo Christian, no relation, who is 25. DeAngelo Christian was shot seven times and is paralyzed from his injuries. He was not able to attend the hearing Thursday because of his medical condition.

Their sister, Amanda Perry, 28, also pleaded guilty to a charge of felonious assault, and prosecutors are recommending one year of jail time for her.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a long-running feud between Perry and another woman, who was to be a witness in the case, and culminated with a Facebook post that city prosecutors said prompted Perry to order her brothers to shoot DeAngelo Christian.

Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or ono Vindy.com.