City man pleads to beating death
WARREN — A Warren man pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of a man who died after being repeatedly beaten in the face during a violent altercation last year.
Gabriel Hendrix, 44, entered the plea before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice. The charge, a first-degree felony, stems from the May death of 42-year-old Andrew Warner, who was found unresponsive in his Westwood Drive NW home with severe head and facial injuries.
As part of the plea agreement, Hendrix faces an indefinite prison term of 11 to 16.5 years, with the possibility of additional time for violating post-release control if convicted of another felony.
Prosecutors said they will argue for the maximum sentence at Hendrix’s sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 10.
“The defendant used a closed fist to strike the victim multiple times in the face, committing felonious assault, which ultimately led to the victim’s death,” said Trumbull County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Burnett during the hearing.
Warner was discovered by a relative May 13 in his residence in the 1300 block of Westwood Drive NW. The relative told dispatchers Warner’s body was “black and blue” and showed signs of “major trauma injuries” to his head and face, according to a Warren police report.
Investigators said Hendrix was living with Warner at the time of the incident and the two had a history of altercations. Hendrix was arrested the following day in a shed or garage area on Lovers Lane and Caleb Road NW.
Hendrix, who initially was charged with murder and second-degree felonious assault, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in May, when his bond was set at $750,000.
In court, Hendrix confirmed he understood the charges and the rights he waived by pleading guilty, including the right to a jury trial and the right to confront witnesses. He also acknowledged that the court is not bound by sentencing recommendations and could impose a harsher penalty.
Hendrix’s criminal history, which includes prior prison sentences for violent offenses, was cited by prosecutors as a factor in their push for the maximum sentence.
The case has been referred to the probation department for a presentence investigation, which will include a review of Hendrix’s criminal record and details of the incident.
Hendrix remains in custody at the Trumbull County jail.