Defendant rejects plea deal

Suspect in Moody Manor slaying to be tried Monday

Keshawn Jennings is ushered into Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

One of three young men charged with firing guns into a Moody Manor apartment, killing a 1-year-old girl, rejected a plea agreement Tuesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Keshawn Jennings, 21, of 244 Wasaon St., was brought before Judge Frederick McDonald with plans to change his not guilty plea to charges stemming from the Aug. 9 shooting death of Keondra Hooks and the wounding of her 2-year-old sister, Leondra, but changed his mind.

His attorney, Ronnie Wingate, said Jennings’ mother and grandmother had spoken with him, and he and attorney Beau Harvey had advised him to accept the plea that would have resulted in a sentence of 26 years to life in prison, but Jennings wants to take his case to trial Monday.

Co-defendants James Moore, 21, of 2037 W. Terrace View St., and Antwaine Jones, 19, of 3145 Cottage Ave., also are scheduled for trial Monday. Each is charged with one count each of aggravated murder, murder, and improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation; two counts each of attempt to commit aggravated murder and attempt to commit murder, and four counts of felonious assault, each with gun specifications.

They each face life in prison if convicted.