YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The sister of murder victim 28-year-old Shannon Graves insists one of the people charged in her death should have never been allowed out of jail. Now that suspect is back behind bars.
Dressed in a blue hoodie, Katrina Layton walked into the Mahoning County Justice Center late Monday morning, led by her son and mother — neither of whom were happy to see our news crew.
Late Friday, Judge Anthony Donofrio ordered Layton be jailed until she can post a $20,000 dollar bond.
She’s one of four suspects in the death and dismemberment of Graves in early 2017.
The judge ruled Layton had repeatedly violated terms of her release by talking with co-defendant and boyfriend Arturo Novoa, who’s already serving a life sentence for the crimes.
“It’s finally an accomplishment that we’ve been working for, actually, since she was released,” said Debbie DePaul, Graves’ sister. “March. Almost two years ago.”
As part of her original agreement with Mahoning County prosecutors, Layton pleaded guilty to abuse of a corpse and obstruction. Murder charges were dismissed in exchange for her cooperation with investigators.
But a special prosecutor with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office claims Layton has lied to authorities.
“We have a hearing this week on her plea being revoked so she’s not out of the woods,” DePaul said.
In his ruling Friday, the judge said prosecutors can argue to have Layton’s original deal thrown out so they can reindict her for the murder.
Husband and wife co-defendants Michele Ihlenfeld and Andrew Herrmann remain in jail, awaiting their trials.
DePaul is now hoping she’ll finally see justice against all who were involved.
“I’m so appreciative,” she said. “Beyond. It’s a night and day difference, and we’re not going to let it go this time.”