A 58-year-old Cheyenne transient pleaded guilty today (Thursday) in Laramie County District Court to second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Victoria Juarez.

"On the 26th of June, I was at (the restaurant in Cheyenne) where I work," a very emotional Emigdio O. Lara Sr. told the court through his interpreter. "I can't say what I did."

When asked," Did you unlawfully kill Victoria Juarez," Lara answered, "Yes." He also admitted to hitting Juarez in the head with a pipe wrench and wrapping an electrical cord around her throat.

Lara is facing a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. His sentencing will be set before District Court Judge Catherine Rogers as soon as a presentence investigation is complete, which usually takes a few months.

More From KOWB 1290