Jonathan Castelan, 14, Also Charged With Home Invasion



GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A 14-year-old boy charged as an adult in a Kentwood home invasion and accused of killing a dog with a hammer has pleaded guilty.

Jonathan Castelan entered his plea Monday in Kent County Circuit Court in exchange for a pledge by prosecutors not to charge him in a separate break-in.

Authorities said Castelan and a 13-year-old suspect broke into the home May 17.

Castelan said the dog bit him, so he hit the dachshund named "Pinto" in the head with a hammer.

The homeowner found the dog with a broken neck.

The 13-year-old suspect has been charged in juvenile court with first-degree home invasion.

Castelan's lawyer, Valerie Foster, told The Grand Rapids Press her client doesn't fully appreciate the circumstances of his actions.

Castelan remains jailed without bond pending a Sept. 1 sentencing.