Teen pleads guilty to murdering officer

POMONA, California (AP) -- A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty Monday to murdering a California Highway Patrol officer who was gunned down as he stood outside a courthouse in April.

Valentino Mitchell Arenas pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of Officer Thomas Steiner and admitted the special circumstances of murder of a police officer, lying in wait and murder during a drive-by shooting, said Deputy District Attorney Linda Loftfield.

The plea was entered as jury selection for trial was under way.

Arenas, who also admitted that the killing was gang-related, faces up to life in prison without possibility of parole when he is sentenced January 28.

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