A West Wendover, Nev., teenager pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced murder charge as part of a plea deal that ensures she will have the possibility of parole.
Toni Fratto, 19, pleaded guilty in Elko District Court to the second-degree murder charge in the March 2011 death of Micaela Costanzo.
Fratto faces 10 years to life in prison, with parole possible after 10 years, for the murder charge when she is sentenced April 16 by Judge Dan Papez. The charge also carries a deadly weapon enhancement that means Fratto will also be sentenced to a consecutive term of one to 20 years.
Fratto, along with her boyfriend, Kody Cree Patten, 18, is accused of taking Micaela, 16, to a spot in the desert west of Wendover, beating her with a shovel, slashing her throat and burying her in a shallow grave.
Fratto was not initially a suspect but surprised police by offering a confession to Patten’s defense attorneys last year.
Fratto has agreed to testify against Patten if called upon to do so, her attorney, John Springgate, said earlier this week.
Patten on Friday also appeared in court, where his lawyers argued to preclude the possibility of a death penalty in his case.
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