Valentine's Day murder defendant to take plea deal

Murder defendant Domingo Mendiola is taking the prosecutor's plea deal.
Mendiola, who stands accused in the February 2024 shooting of Sumittra Lairopi, appeared before Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena in superior court today.
The deal was announced to the court the same day trial was scheduled to begin.
This now delays the trial for co-defendant Jenna Manibusan.
Special assistant attorney general Curtis Van De Veld telling the judge that defendant Manibusan was given an offer as well.
He says if she doesn't accept the plea that the evidence against her is strong enough to prosecute her at trial.
Prosecutors do plan to take co-defendant Johnny Atalig to trial. His case remains under seal.
As we reported, the deadly armed robbery happened at the Thai Thai Healthy Cuisine in Tamuning.
Mendiola allegedly pulled the trigger before taking off with the victim's car.
Investigators say the alleged robbery was planned to help Mendiola pay off a drug debt.