Robert Bright, a Co Meath youth whose family moved to New York in 1993, has pleaded guilty to the murder of a shop assistant during an armed robbery in New York City in December 1996.
Bright, who is 16, faces a lengthy US prison term, although it is unlikely it will be the 25-year sentence applicable in his case.
He pleaded guilty on Wednesday at Nassau County Court to murdering Masood Sadiq (32) during the robbery of a grocery store where Mr Sadiq was a cashier.
The District Attorney, Mr Ed Grilli, said the murder was a particularly senseless one as the four robbers had already taken money and other items from the store. They also shot dead the store-owner's dog. They escaped with $480.
Despite reports on radio and a newspaper yesterday that agreement had been reached allowing Bright to be transferred to Ireland to serve his sentence, no arrangements have been made. Bright has still to be sentenced before there can be any moves to transfer him to Ireland. The Department of Justice has received no application for a transfer.
Bright's lawyer, Mr Anthony Colleluori, yesterday expressed concern about Bright's prospects in the New York prison system. He wished to serve his sentence in Ireland.
Mr Colleluori said the fatal shot was fired by one of Bright's accomplices.
Three other youths are facing charges of murdering Mr Sadiq, and robbery. Mr Colleluori said Bright's handgun was not loaded at the time of the robbery.