Authorities name 16-year-old suspect charged with murdering Youngstown teenager
Youngstown Police Captain Jason Simon announced Saturday morning there was an arrest made in the shooting death of 15-year-old Amya Monserrat.
According to a press release, an arrest warrant was issued Friday evening for a 16-year-old juvenile in connection to the case, on charges of felony murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The juvenile turned himself in and is being held at the Juvenile Justice Center.
The suspect, 16-year-old Legend Pless, also known as Danyo Ryan Sellers, is facing three counts of attempted murder and one count of murder.
Each of the four counts is a felony with special consideration given to the fact that the incident is classified as a "drive-by shooting." With these counts also comes the possibility of juvenile life.
Police tell 21 News additional counts of attempted murder could be added once it's determined how many people were potentially in the line of fire.
Pless is set to appear in juvenile court Monday at 11:45 a.m.
It's not clear if the charges could ultimately end up being moved to adult court since there could still be other suspects. Only the person who is believed to have pulled the trigger would be automatically bound over to adult court, but other suspects could be, as well.
Youngstown police Captain Jason Simon tells 21 News it's been a Huge help having witnesses come forward.
"Anytime the community comes forward and gives us information, it expedites our investigations and helps you know, solidify what the detectives themselves are working on," Captain Simon says.
"It is important to understand that the investigation into her murder continues. YPD is still investigating this senseless and untimely death and additional charges and arrests are expected, therefore, we cannot reveal more details at this time," the release states.
Right now, it's still unclear whether or not Sellers will be tried as an adult because we don't know if he was the one to pull the trigger. Captain Simon says there were multiple shooters.
"I can't tell you if the next ones [shooters] are going to be juveniles, adults, it's just too hard to say," Captain Simon said.
Amya Monserrat was gunned down at a sweet 16 birthday party on April 15th at Martha's Boulevard Tavern in Youngstown. Monserrat was caught in the crossfire of feuding factions.
We're still working to find out if Monserrat was the intended target.
If you have any information regarding this case, police are still seeking tips from the public to assist.
21 News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.