Teen defendant Daniel Vilchis-Ayala has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ramon Hernandez.

Vilchis-Ayala, 17, originally pleaded not guilty to charges for the March 16 bludgeoning death of the 63-year-old Hernandez.

However, according to District Attorney Lee Darragh, the teen entered a guilty plea today before Hall County Superior Court Judge Jason Deal.

In addition to the life imprisonment for a felony murder charge, Vilchis-Ayala also was given a concurrent, 10-year sentence for attempted armed robbery.

According to authorities, in March, Vilchis-Ayala, Nelson Vaca and Brian Martin Rivera entered Hernandez's home on Marlow Drive in Gainesville, held him against his will and beat him repeatedly in the face and head with a firearm.

At the time of the slaying, Vilchis-Ayala and Rivera were 16, while Vaca was 17.

All three teens are believed to be members of the Sur-13 street gang and are from the Athens area.

Rivera remains at large and there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Nelson is in custody and awaiting trial in superior court.