The man accused of killing a pastor’s son in an attempted grow rip in Langley last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter using a firearm in Surrey Provincial Court on Wednesday morning.
Jesse River Jordan Hill, of Surrey, was originally expected to make a routine appearance but made the plea instead. He next appears on Sept. 3 for a pre-sentencing report.
Hill, 24, faced a second degree murder charge in the death of 21-year-old Delta resident Taylor Johnson.
Hill was also charged with break and enter with intent, disguise with intent and discharge of a firearm with intent.
He has been behind bars since his arrest in October.
Johnson, 21, was found shot to death on Feb. 26, 2013 in a 200 Street home, which contained a grow-op. Johnson was the caretaker of the grow-op. He was the son of a pastor in Delta and had no prior record.
During a press conference, his dad, Paul, said his son had made some new friends of questionable nature. His dad Paul said his son was very trusting.
Taylor Johnson also leaves behind his stepmother and five siblings.
Manslaughter with a firearm carries a minimum sentence of four years.