Justin Robinson, 16, pleaded guilty to killing Autumn Pasquale, who disappeared last fall while out riding her bike. He faces 17 years behind bars.
AP
August 8, 2013
A teenager admitted Wednesday that he strangled a 12-year-old girl who disappeared last fall while out riding her bike, touching off a massive search that ended when her body was found in a recycling bin just blocks from her home.
Justin Robinson, 16, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of Autumn Pasquale after agreeing earlier in the day to have his case moved to adult court.
At the hearing, the teen took sole responsibility for killing the girl, even though his older brother is also facing a murder charge, said Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk.
Faulk said the boy asked the girl to come to his home to possibly trade bike parts, but he declined to discuss a motive for the killing.
The state was willing to accept a plea deal for charges less than murder because of the complicated circumstances, he said.