×

13-year-old arraigned in murder

YOUNGSTOWN — A 13-year-old boy was arraigned Friday at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center on a charge of murder with a three-year gun specification.

Masiahs Gentry, 13, of Youngstown, stood before Juvenile Court Judge Theresa Dellick, along with his parents and a court-appointed defense attorney, to respond to allegations that he shot and killed East Middle School eighth-grader Logan Taylor, 14, on Nov. 13.

The shooting happened in the 200 block of East Lucius Avenue around 11:30 a.m.

A Friday news release from Youngstown Police Department said the shooting initially appeared to be a matter of negligence. But after reviewing evidence with the Mahoning County Coroner’s Office, the Cuyahoga County forensic pathologist and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, police and the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office juvenile division determined a murder charge was most appropriate.

During the hearing, Gentry spoke with his appointed legal counsel, attorney John Shultz, and answered questions Dellick asked him to determine if he understood the nature of the charges and the potential consequences.

If convicted, Gentry could serve prison time in a juvenile facility until the age of 21, and then be transferred to an adult facility to continue his sentence.

“That is the worst case scenario,” Dellick told him.

Whatever his sentence for the murder charge, he also would receive an additional three years for the gun specification.

Shultz entered a denial plea on all charges on Gentry’s behalf, which is the juvenile court equivalent of a not guilty plea.

Dellick ordered a competency evaluation and had Gentry’s parents sign forms to release his school and medical records for that purpose. She also cautioned Gentry to speak only to his attorney, and informed his parents that anything he says to them about the case is not protected under the Fifth Amendment and could be admissible in court.

The prosecutor’s office waived its right to appear at the arraignment, but has requested that Gentry remain in detention. Dellick granted that request but said she will discuss the boy’s possible release with the prosecutor’s office later, after the discovery phase of the trial.

The judge also told Shultz she would have to wait to schedule a preliminary hearing until consulting with the prosecution.

Gentry was permitted to speak with his family and his attorney after the hearing before being returned to the detention center.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today