It was a crime that stunned the community. On Monday, the two individuals accused of killing 60-year-old John Ferreira on New Year’s Eve pleaded guilty.

 

Ryan Bates was 17 at the time of the crime. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault and agreed to be tried and sentenced as an adult.

 

"Well, the judge has determined that Mr. Bates is going to be treated as an adult. He's going to be sentenced as an adult. And the Crown's sentencing position in this case will be a significant sentence" says Crown prosecutor Mark Poland.

 

Poland says the crown will look for a sentence in the area of 12 years.

 

A sentencing date for Bates will likely be set next week.

 

The other accused was 16 at the time, and cannot be named. He pleaded guilty to assault.

 

The youth's attorney, Brennan Smart says there was no proof his client knew Bates had a knife. He says the teen was associated with a street gang called The True White Boys.

 

"He realizes that his conduct leading up to events of New Year's Eve was conduct that was going to land him in prison and he has taken good strides towards rehabilitating himself since that night and will continue to do so on the probationary order he