Minnesota Teenager Admits Role in Double Murder Case

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) — A 19-year-old man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection to the shooting deaths of a southwestern Minnesota couple whose home was burglarized and set ablaze.

The Independent of Marshall reports Theodore Como pleaded guilty to charges of aiding first-degree burglary and two counts of aiding second-degree murder.

Como said in court Tuesday he helped Derek Hexum steal guns and other items from two residences in April, including the Balaton home of 75-year-old Jim Hively and his 71-year-old wife, Cathy. Hexum is accused of shooting the couple and has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder.

Como said he, Hexum and Kyle Wesselink returned to the residence the next day, and Como said he set fire to the garage and Hexum set the home ablaze.

Wesselink pleaded guilty in December to charges of aiding an offender.