YOUNGSTOWN — Carlos A. Flores Jr., 21, pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and two firearm specifications in the July 18, 2021, shooting death of Rashuad Biggs Jr., 17, at the Gateway Gas Mart, 3216 South Ave., Youngstown.

Judge John Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Flores to the sentence recommended by prosecutors and the defense — 20 to 25.5 years in prison. Flores of Glenwood Avenue gets credit for about 2.5 years in prison awaiting sentencing.

Durkin ruled in December that Flores, who was 18 at the time of the shooting, was competent to stand trial. That came after the prosecution and defense agreed to the findings of a doctor in the state mental hospital in Massillon who said Flores was competent.

Before sentencing, Ayva Fedor, best friend of Biggs, spoke. She said she never got to graduate with Biggs or attend dances with him.

She said Biggs was a “hard worker. He rehabbed houses. He worked endless hours at Phantom Fireworks.” She said he “had so much life to live and so much to accomplish.”

She said he was “the best friend, son and family member anyone could ask for. I no longer get to live my life with my other half by my side because of your selfish, inhumane, vile act.”

Biggs’ mother, Kristin Biggs, said her son “was a phenomenal beyond-great, loving, loyal gift to me and to many.”

She said she saw “greatness from the moment he was born.” She said her son “was a natural” at sports. “He was my NBA, NFL player and my track star.”

She said he “was loved, a giver. He would give the shirt off his back for someone who had nothing.” He had his first job at 14.

She added he was “truly a one-of-a-kind black young man.”

Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova stated in a news release after the sentencing that, “Carlos Flores was brought to justice today. His callous act robbed Rashaud Biggs Jr. of a future and his family of a lifetime of memories with him.”

She said the type of plea Flores entered takes away his opportunity to appeal his sentence, “finally bringing the family some closure after many years of waiting.”

Police said they found Biggs face down in the parking lot with a gunshot wound when they arrived for the 10:03 p.m. shooting. Biggs had been shot while at a gas pump.