WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A teenager has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for robbing and killing his friend's grandmother in Kandiyohi County.

Nineteen-year-old Brok Junkermeier entered a surprise guilty plea to the charges in the midst of his trial last week. He took the stand and admitted he and the victim's grandson, Robert Warwick, plotted to rob and kill 79-year-old Lila Warwick, at her home near Willmar last summer.

The victim's daughter, Cheri Ekbom, and two granddaughters spoke at Junkermeier's sentencing Wednesday. An email written by Ekbom said her family had experienced a great loss — and although justice was served, it comes with much pain.

Robert Warwick's trial has not been scheduled.

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