Chula Vista

A 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty Friday to assault with a deadly weapon in the beating of a 9-year-old boy.

Stephen Boyle, who was to stand trial as an adult, entered the plea before San Diego Superior Court Judge Herbert Exarhos. Sentencing is scheduled for March 22.

On July 26, Joshua Garrett was riding his bicycle on Hollister Street when he was struck on the head with baseball bat by a car passenger.

The boy sustained a broken skull and internal injuries. At the time, he was listed in critical condition, on life-support systems. He has since improved dramatically and is out of the hospital.

Boyle “pleaded to the principal charge and the principal allegations,” Deputy Dist. Atty. George Beall said.

Boyle could receive a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, Beall said.

Because of his age, Boyle will undergo a mandatory diagnostic study, conducted by the California Youth Authority, before sentencing, Beall said. The judge could sentence Boyle to a term in a juvenile facility if the youth authority finds him eligible.

Meanwhile, he remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

A co-defendant, a 16-year-old identified only as Christopher, was found guilty Nov. 20 of assault with a deadly weapon in Juvenile Court.

Christopher was sentenced to an unspecified term in a 24-hour boarding school. The length of his stay will depend on recommendations from school and probation department officials.

He will receive counseling and continue his education in the school.