Killer found thru Facebook admits guilt

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Over a year after a Facebook tip led to his arrest, a murder suspect pleaded guilty to the death of Katina Jones.

Larry O'Neal pleaded guilty to second degree murder, grand larceny, credit card theft and credit card fraud. A spokeswoman for the Suffolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office said the credit card charge was nolle prossed.

In Nov. 2010, Suffolk police found Jones' body in an apartment on Crowdy Street.

Detectives began looking for Larry O'Neal after learning he and Jones communicated on Facebook about him visiting the area. Police believed the two were together before Jones was found dead in her apartment.

They later discovered that O'Neal used one of Jones' charge cards.

Using a Facebook page called " Catch Katina's Killer ", police were able to reach out to Jones' friends, family and over 1,000 others in a quest to find O'Neal for questioning.

O'Neal later turned himself in to Roanoke police

The Facebook page remains active, with updates on the case posted as they occur.

As part of a plea agreement, O'Neal can only be sentenced to a maximum of 35 years in prison. Sentencing is set for May 23.