Staff writer

STRUTHERS – The father of a 4-year-old boy fatally shot in Struthers early Monday asked the suspect to turn himself in to police — and within hours of that plea, the suspect did so.

David Sweeney addressed media Monday afternoon, holding photos of his son, 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney.

“You took my son away from me. This is my baby boy,” Sweeney said, crying. “You took him because you’re sick.”

Sweeney described Rowan as “the sweetest boy” and “the best.”

“Buddy, I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice quivering. “I love you.”

Around 8 p.m today, Kimonie Devante Bryant, 24, turned himself into the U.S. Marshal Service, police Chief Tim Roddy confirmed Monday night.

Bryant is facing one charge of aggravated murder, with more charges likely coming, said Capt. Daniel Mamula. He was transported to the Struthers police Department, then to the Mahoning County jail.

Bryant is expected to be arraigned Friday in Struthers Municipal Court, Mamula said.

Mamula said Bryant has “familiarity”ã with the victims, but did not disclose more information.

Both Mamula and Roddy praised dispatch and the various agencies working throughout the day.

“It was a blessing how things fell into place,” Mamula said.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator.