MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — A 16-year-old has pleaded guilty as an adult to second-degree murder.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports that Cristian Alexander Quijas was 15 when he shot and killed 16-year-old Angel Estrada in Burlington on March 30, 2017.
According to state law, 16- or 17-year-olds charged with qualifying violent offenses, including murder, are automatically charged as adults.
Because Quijas was 15 at the time of the shooting, it was up to Skagit County Superior Court Judge Brian Stiles to determine if Quijas could be charged as an adult.
Stiles did so in October.
Quijas is accused of firing six shots from a handgun at Estrada, a rival gang member, for dating his sister.
Quijas will be sentenced June 11.
Another teen charged in connection to Estrada's death was previously sentenced.
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Information from: Skagit Valley Herald, http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com