KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) — A man charged in the killing of an 8-year-old Bullhead City girl has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
Justin James Rector entered the plea Tuesday after deciding earlier this month to represent himself in the case.
The 30-year-old faces life in prison. Sentencing is set for Jan. 30.
Rector also had been charged with kidnapping, child abuse and abandonment of a body in the death of Isabella Grogan-Cannella, and assaulting a jail officer in 2017. Those charges were dropped as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
Rector was a guest in the girl's home when she went missing in September 2014. Police said she had been strangled and left in a shallow grave near her home.
Rector had been scheduled to go on trial in April.
