Nevada teen pleads guilty in fatal beating of homeless man over $6, beer, cigarettes

RENO, Nev. – A Nevada teenager has admitted he fatally beat and stomped a homeless man in Reno after stealing $6 from the victim, along with some beer, cigarettes and a small radio.

James Pineda faces 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the death of Eric Burkhart.

Pineda was a 15-year-old student at Sparks High School when he says his aunt made him attack the man at a homeless camp last July.

Pineda remains in the Washoe County Jail without bail. Sentencing is set for Aug. 24.

Prosecutors say the death stemmed from a scam. They say Pineda and his aunt tricked the victim into thinking he owed them money because he ruined teen's stereo speakers by urinating on them.

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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com