Suspect convicted for his part in murder of Youngstown realtor

One of the two men charged in connection with the robbery and murder of a Youngstown real estate agent has pleaded guilty.

During a motion hearing before a visiting judge in Mahoning County Court on Thursday, Grant Cooper pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and aggravated arson in connection with the death of Vivian Martin.

Cooper and his alleged accomplice Robert Brooks, were originally charged with aggravated murder, arson and kidnapping in connection with the death of Vivian Martin.  Brooks still faces those charges.

Cooper could have faced the death penalty if he had been found guilty of the more serious charge of  murder.  

"In exchange for the defendant's full cooperation and truthful testimony against Robert Brooks, the State would be willing to recommend 29 years at the defendant's sentencing," said Dawn Cantalamessa, Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor.

Martin was 67-years-old when Cooper and Brooks allegedly lured her to an east side home in September of 2010. Police said Martin was killed during a robbery, and the home was set on fire, allegedly to conceal the crimes.

Cooper, a former Marine, admitted he is under a psychologist's care in the jail and is taking anxiety medication. 

Cooper is expected to be sentenced October 2nd. 

The family of the victim Vivian Martin is reserving comment until the trial is complete.

Brooks still faces the original charges and the possibility of being executed if he is convicted in the case.

His trial is scheduled to begin on September 22.