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Man pleads guilty to murder charge in shooting

Posted at 6:07 PM, Mar 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-14 18:07:47-04

A man accused of fatally shooting a woman during a crime spree east of Cleveland has agreed to a plea deal to avoid a possible death penalty.

Juan Razo, 36, on Monday pleaded guilty to 16 counts including aggravated murder, rape and kidnapping. His sentencing is April 27.

Authorities said Razo is a Mexican citizen in the U.S. illegally. They said he broke into MargaretKostelnik's Concord Township home last July and sexually assaulted and killed the 60-year-old woman.

Authorities said Razo tried to rape a 14-year-old girl at a park and shot a 40-year-old woman walking along a bike path before the slaying. He was arrested after a shootout with law enforcement officers.

Razo's attorney said the plea deal is considered a fair resolution given Razo's mental health problems.