Murder victim’s father frustrated by sentencing delays

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The father of a young murder victim is speaking out over a sentencing delay in the case.

The already agonizing wait for David Sweeney to see justice for his son is only getting longer.

“We’re three and half years into this and the biggest thing right now is we definitely want some closure,” Sweeney said.

Four-year-old Rowan Sweeney died after a shooting in Struthers in September 2020 . Several others, including his mother, were injured. Authorities have said it happened during a robbery.

While both Andre McCoy and Kimonie Bryant both made guilty pleas in the case and a third suspect, Brandon Crump , was convicted at trial in February, their sentencings have all been delayed. Sweeney learned of two of those postponements just this week.

“It makes you go through an emotional rollercoaster,” Sweeney said.

Bryant’s sentencing has been delayed while lawyers argue whether he lied to prosecutors while under oath. McCoy’s hearing was then postponed in case he has to testify against Bryant, and Crump will wait while his attorney tries to find an expert to help with his sentencing at a later date.

Sweeney said he understands the job a defense lawyer has and the rights of their clients, but he’s wondering who stands up for the rights of crime victims. He thinks it’s unfair.

“I emotionally plan to get ready to give my victim impact statement and then it’s just all your emotions come crashing down when you find out nope, it’s not gonna happen,” Sweeney said.

At this point, there are no new dates set yet for the three defendants.

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