Man admits role in 2006 killing of San Diego-area officer

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A gang member has admitted his role in the shooting death of a San Diego-area police officer during a traffic stop nearly 12 years ago.

The Los Angeles Times reports Jose Compre pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Compre was 16 at the time of the killing of Oceanside Police Officer Dan Bessant in 2006.

He was one of three teenage gang members accused of ambushing the 25-year-old officer.

Meki Gaono and Penifoti Teaotui were charged in 2007 and later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

In pleading guilty, Compre admitted that he personally fired a gun during the incident that killed the officer. He’ll be sentenced to 25 years in prison at a hearing scheduled for May 31.

Bessant would have turned 37 years old this month.