PAINESVILLE -- A 19-year-old woman has changed her plea to guilty in the November 2012 murder of Lisa Knoefel.
At the hearing Thursday in Lake County Common Pleas Court, a judge accepted the guilty plea from Sabrina Zunich on one count of aggravated murder.
She faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, but the prosecution said they would recommend Zunich be sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after serving 30 years.
Before accepting her plea, the judge asked Zunich a series of questions to make sure she realizes the rights she forfeits by admitting guilt.
The judge also asked Zunich if she did in fact kill Lisa Knoefel.
"I stabbed Lisa Knoefel to death with the cooperation and planning of Kevin Knoefel," Zunich said with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sentencing has been slated for Monday, Sept. 29 at 9 a.m.
Thursday's hearing lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Earlier this month, Lisa's husband, Kevin Knoefel, was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years. The sentence came after a jury found him guilty in the conspiracy to kill his wife, among other charges.
Prosecutors say Knoefel and Zunich were romantically involved when the conspiracy to kill Lisa was concocted. During her testimony, Sabrina said Kevin had asked her to kill Lisa.
Zunich was 17 at the time Lisa was murdered.
