Teenage girl pleads to murder of friend’s grandfather

WILKES-BARRE, PA. >> 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.

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.