Defendant loses bid to withdraw his plea

1/15/2005

A Toledo man convicted in the shooting death of Kenneth Allen Young yesterday was denied a request to withdraw his plea in the crime.

Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Charles Doneghy said Kenneth Hughes, 38, couldn't change the no-contest plea he entered Nov. 4 to a charge of complicity in the commission of voluntary manslaughter. In denying the motion, Judge Doneghy said the defendant's request to vacate the plea and have his case decided by a jury lacked credible basis.

Hughes' brother and co-defendant, Donnie Hughes, 43, also appeared in court for sentencing on a voluntary manslaughter charge, to which he pleaded no contest Nov. 4. However, the imposition of a negotiated sentence of 15 years in prison was delayed because the defendant told Judge Doneghy he was dissatisfied with his legal representation and wanted a new attorney.

Judge Doneghy continued both cases to Wedneday, at which time he could decide on Donnie Hughes' request for a new attorney.

Mr. Young, 23, was shot in the head and chest Nov. 17, 2003, as he sat in a car parked in a driveway at 325 Rockingham St. Michael Loisel, an assistant county prosecutor, said the victim had words earlier in the day with Donnie Hughes, of 311 Rockingham, and another man.

Later, the Hughes brothers approached Mr. Young's vehicle, and Donnie Hughes shot the victim while his brother stood at the passenger's side to prevent the victim from fleeing his vehicle, Mr. Loisel said.

Kenneth Hughes is facing a possible three-to-10-year prison sentence for his role in the crime.