The youth accused of killing a 17-year-old boy in Prince William County in 2021 pleaded guilty to the charge an hour before his hearing on Monday.
New details have emerged in the case of the murder of Anthony Cruz-Santos during the first day of the trial against suspected trigger man Adrian Bryant.
Bryant allegedly used a ghost gun he ordered online to allegedly commit the murder, which is not illegal in Virginia. Under the law, anyone, including young people, can buy the parts online and then assemble them – something that is already being discussed in the state general assembly.
As for the court, Virginia prosecutor Amy Ashworth told Telemundo 44 that they did not reach an agreement with the defense. She added that Bryant, who was 17 when she was arrested in the case in 2021, faces up to life in prison and a $100,000 fine after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.
Ashworth stated: “Yesterday Sunday the attorney for the Cruz-Santos family, Brad Marshall, was informed by Mr. Bryant’s attorney that the defendant would plead guilty on Monday. However, because the state of Virginia did not know if that would actually happen, everything proceeded as planned for the trial. This result was discussed with the family last week in the presence of their lawyer.”
Bryant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 15 of this year, and will be presided over by Judge James Willett. The defendant will remain without bond at the Manassas Adult Detention Center.