Watch CBS News

Man Tried Twice In Nearly Beheadings Of 3 Children Pleads Guilty

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The cousin of three children who were nearly beheaded in 2004 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the crimes.

Adan Canela entered the plea Thursday in a Baltimore court and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Canela and Policarpio Espinoza Perez had been tried twice in the slayings of Ricardo Espinoza, his sister, Lucero, and their cousin Alexis Quazada. Their first trial ended in a hung jury. They were convicted at a second trial but that verdict was overturned.

A motive for the slayings was never established.

Espinoza Perez was convicted of conspiracy in the children's deaths in April and sentenced to life in prison.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.