WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - A teenage girl has pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the death of her friend’s grandfather earlier this year in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sixteen-year-old Mercedes Hall entered the plea Monday in an agreement with prosecutors that calls for a six- to 12-year sentence and requires her to testify against her three co-defendants.
Authorities in Luzerne County say 71-year-old Joseph Monka was beaten and stabbed 43 times in April before $30,000 was stolen from a basement safe in Edwardsville.
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Defense attorney Larry Kansky said Hall “feels very sorry” for the victim’s “horrific death” and apologizes to his family and friends.
Monka’s 17-year-old granddaughter, who was living with him, was also charged but is seeking to have her case moved to juvenile court. Her 19-year-old boyfriend and a 20-year-old man are awaiting trial.
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