Toledoans sentenced to prison for slaying

Dec. 31 robbery ended with death

10/11/2013

A Toledo woman who said she helped arranged a New Year’s Eve robbery that ended with the victim being slain was sentenced in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on Thursday to six years in prison while her co-conspirator got a seven-year sentence.

Judge Dean Mandros issued the sentences to Ashley Hundstrucker and Kevin Brooks, stating that neither will be eligible for early release and that both will be on parole for five years once they complete their sentences. Brooks received a longer sentence because of additional factors, including his role in the crime and his criminal past.

Both were found guilty by the judge of complicity to commit involuntary manslaughter after confessing in court in September. The charges stemmed from the death of Brian Minley, 24, who was killed inside his Berdan Avenue home Dec. 31.

Hundstrucker, 23, of 3940 Lockwood Ave., sobbed as the sentences were read in the packed courtroom. She could have received 11 years. A young woman at the proceeding broke down and made a quick exit before Judge Mandros finished announcing Hundstrucker’s sentence.

As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, charges of complicity to murder, complicity to aggravated robbery, and complicity to aggravated burglary were dismissed.

Frank Spryszak, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor, told the court that Hundstrucker, at the request of Daquaine Booth, 26, of 2828 Weber St., had contacted Mr. Minley via Facebook to arrange a marijuana purchase at the victim’s house.

Hundstrucker and Booth have a child together. Booth is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to murder with a firearms specification on Sept. 20. He is eligible for parole after 18 years.

Authorities said Hundstrucker drove Booth and Brooks to Mr. Minley’s house. Booth went inside alone. After being gone for an extended period of time, Brooks went to check on him. He heard gunfire, with Booth emerging from the house.

Hundstrucker drove the two men away from the scene. Mr. Minley died from a single gunshot wound to the back.

Brooks, 23, of 3208 Maple St., will begin his seven-year sentence after completing an 18-month parole violation. The violation stems from previous convictions on charges of possession and trafficking cocaine, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Contact Tom Henry at: thenry@theblade.com or 419-724-6079.