YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Fourteen-year-old Willie Wilks has pleaded guilty to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter with a three-year firearm specification in connection with the March 2025 shooting on Youngstown’s South Side, where a victim was found with a fatal gunshot wound.
Chief of the Criminal Division, John Juhasz successfully prosecuted the case. Chief Juhasz noted concerns that the court might not find legal purpose in the charge of murder. As a result, a plea to Involuntary Manslaughter was pursued to ensure the seriousness of the defendant’s actions was fully reflected, rather than risk a possible reduction to Reckless Homicide, which would not have adequately reflected the severity of this crime.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro thanked the Youngstown Police Department, Chief Juhasz for their work in securing the arrest and conviction. Under Ohio law, Wilks faces a sentence in the Department of Youth Services until he reaches the age of 21. A sentencing date will be set by the court.