WINNIPEG -- A 16-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Winnipeg pizza shop employee Gerald Crayford.

The boy pleaded guilty to the killing Wednesday, just as the Crown closed its case in his preliminary hearing.

Crayford, 54, died in May 2011 after he was assaulted during a holdup at the Pizza Hotline on Concordia Avenue. His killing sparked outrage over Manitoba's so-called "revolving-door justice system" and prompted Pizza Hotline CEO Jerry Cianflone to air radio ads decrying the "senseless murder."

Police at the time said the then 15-year-old youth had a record for violent offences.

Crown attorney Wendy Friesen told court she will be seeking an adult sentence. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, that means life in prison with no chance of parole for at least seven years.

The maximum youth sentence for second-degree murder is seven years, at least three of which must be served in the community.

Judge Rocky Pollack will hear sentencing submissions in the case Jan. 18 and sentence the youth Jan. 31.
Co-accused Byron Charles Bushie, 19, is also charged with second-degree murder and is awaiting trial.