In a hearing Wednesday in a Lima, Peru court, Joran van der Sloot pleaded guilty to the 2010 robbery and murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores. Van der Sloot’s plea came five days after he backed out of entering a guilty plea and asked for time to “reflect” on his decision. His sentencing is scheduled for Friday. Van der Sloot, 24, faces up to 30 years in prison.
Flores was found dead June 2, 2010 in a Lima hotel room registered to van der Sloot. Authorities say van der Sloot beat Flores, strangled her and broke her neck. He then took cash and credit cards from her wallet and fled to Chile. He was captured five days after Flores body was discovered.
Van der Sloot became a household name in June 2005 after he was arrested in Aruba in connection with the May 30 disappearance of American teen Natalee Holloway. Lack of evidence led to his release in September. Van der Sloot was arrested again in November 2007, but he was released the following month without being charged. Holloway remains missing and is presumed dead.
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