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Man gets prison time in 9-year-old’s overdose death
By Justin Wier
YOUNGSTOWN
A man who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of his girlfriend’s 9-year-old son will spend 41/2 years in prison.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum sentenced Kevin Gamble, 38, of Midland Avenue to consecutive sentences of three years on a charge of involuntary manslaughter and 11/2 years on a charge of endangering children.
He also will serve five years’ parole upon release.
Marcus Lee, the son of Gamble’s girlfriend, died the day after Christmas last year by ingesting cocaine police said belonged to Gamble, who has prior drug- trafficking convictions.
Raenell Allen, who is Marcus’ mother and Gamble’s girlfriend, told investigators Gamble was dealing drugs at the time.
At sentencing, Gamble broke out in tears while expressing remorse for Marcus’ death but denied responsibility by claiming drug dealing was in his past and said investigators used him as a “scapegoat” because of his record.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum asked Gamble if he wanted to rescind his plea and take the case to trial.
“Your honor, if I didn’t have 10 more kids, I’d take that chance,” Gamble told the judge. “I just want to get back to my family.”
Investigators have no idea how Marcus got his hands on the cocaine, but police said the levels found in his toxicology screen were “off the charts.”
Judge Krichbaum said this complicated his ability to sentence Gamble.
“I don’t know what happened either, so imposing a just and fair sentence is impossible,” Judge Krichbaum said.
He settled on the agreed-upon recommendation of 41/2 years.
Marcus’ dad, also named Marcus Lee, spoke at sentencing.
“My son was way too young to die like that,” he said. “It’s painful.”
Allen, 40, of Midland Avenue, also pleaded guilty to endangering children. She will appear before Judge Krichbaum for sentencing Dec. 5.
Prosecutors are recommending community control for Allen based on her cooperation with investigators.