ORANGE : Youth Was Accessory in Claes Killing
A 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty Friday to being an accessory after the fact in connection with the murder of a Tustin teen-ager over a stereo system.
The boy faces up to three years and eight months in the California Youth Authority when he is sentenced Oct. 19 in Orange County Juvenile Court, Deputy Dist. Atty. Carolyn Kirkwood said.
Carl Claes, 14, of Tustin was found dead May 17 in the community of Lemon Heights a few miles from where he lived with his grandfather. Police said he was killed when he asked for the return of his $2,500 stereo system, which he had loaned to one of the suspects.
The 17-year-old also pleaded guilty to possessing stolen property.
Tommy Miller, 16, and Jason Merritt, now 18, are charged with murder and are being tried as adults in the slaying.
Two other defendants have been convicted of being accessories after the fact, while two others still face trial on related charges.
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