This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The man accused of killing local couple Jean and Scott Adam after hijacking their yacht in the Gulf of Arden has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Virginia, according to the Associated Press. Mohamud Hirs Issa Ali of Somalia is "among 15 suspects from Somalia and Yemen facing charges related to the February hijacking of the yacht Quest."The Adams were Christian missionaries based in Marina Del Rey, who were on an ambitious global sail. Ali and other Somali pirates are accused of killing the Adams' companions, Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay of Seattle.
The four hostages were killed by their captors after negotiations with American Naval personnel were underway.
Ali could receive a life sentence for his role in the killings, however his plea agreement may allow for a reduction in the term.
