Family seeking justice three years after double homicide
Back in August of 2021, Ayanna Mills and Brandon Bell were shot and killed in their home at 1213 Salt Springs Rd. in Youngstown.
"I saw my brother shot and killed in front of me by my mom's boyfriend and we discovered my mom in the bathroom," Malik Mills, son and brother of the two victims said.
Mills is calling for swift justice against the suspect, 47 year old Jabrae Perry, and for the courts to do more for his family.
"We just want justice, we want to finally be able to grieve properly and try to heal and it's hard when this case is still dragging, we have to go to court every month," Mills said. "My issue right now is the courts dragging this on for three years now," he said.
The death penalty is off the table for Perry, due to the defense revealing he has a "serious mental illness," schizoaffective disorder.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova tells 21 News negotiations are ongoing, but nothing's been set in stone.
"There have been plea arrangements and discussions that have been discussed, but there has not been a plea agreement reached at this point," DeGenova said. "As prosecutors we're required to engage in negotiations and discussions with the other side in every case that we have. That's what we've been dong in this case," she said.
Mills wants to make absolute sure Perry won't get off easy.
"We're not gonna settle for that. We're not," Mills said. "I honestly feel like I'm out of options, frustrated," he said.
"We support victims and we provide justice for victims to the best of our ability," DeGenova said.
DeGenova tells 21 News that if both sides cannot reach an acceptable agreement, they will proceed to trial in February 2025.