Nevada teen pleads guilty in fatal beating of homeless man over $6, beer, cigarettes
By APWednesday, June 30, 2010
NV teen admits fatal beating of homeless man
RENO, Nev. — A Nevada teenager has admitted he fatally beat and stomped a homeless man in Reno after stealing $6 from the victim, along with some beer, cigarettes and a small radio.
James Pineda faces 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the death of Eric Burkhart.
Pineda was a 15-year-old student at Sparks High School when he says his aunt made him attack the man at a homeless camp last July.
Pineda remains in the Washoe County Jail without bail. Sentencing is set for Aug. 24.
Prosecutors say the death stemmed from a scam. They say Pineda and his aunt tricked the victim into thinking he owed them money because he ruined teen’s stereo speakers by urinating on them.
Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, www.rgj.com
