CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A judge will sentence the teenager who pleaded no contest to the homicide of Kayla Rincon-Miller on Tuesday.
In 2024, Miller was shot and killed as she walked to a McDonald’s with her friends. She was 15 years old.
Kayla Rincon-Miller. CREDIT: Rincon-Miller family
By Matias Abril
Christopher Horne Jr. pleaded no contest to second-degree homicide. As part of the deal, he had to testify against his co-defendant, Thomas Stein.
In May, a jury convicted Stein of first-degree felony homicide. He’s scheduled to be sentenced in July.
Horne Jr. was originally indicted for first-degree homicide, just like his co-defendant. He could have faced life in prison, but instead he accepted a plea deal that reduced his charge and sentence.
As part of his plea deal, Horne Jr. had to testify against Stein. Horne Jr. became one of the key witnesses in the trial, playing a part in the jury’s decision to find Stein guilty of first-degree felony homicide and three attempted robbery charges.
While on the stand, Horne Jr. detailed the night of Kayla Rincon-Miller’s homicide. He said Stein was the one who killed her.
A judge is set to sentence Horne Jr. at 1:30 p.m. He could spend up to 25 years in a prison cell.