The plea agreement was entered into Grand Rapids’ Federal Court on Thursday.
Rahsad Trice, 27, of Lansing, was indicted in July of 2023 for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Kidnapping a Minor.
Originally, Trice plead not guilty during his arraignment last August.
The complaint states that Trice strangled Wynter Cole-Smith with a cellphone cord and left her body in a Detroit alley.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also charged Trice in state court with numerous counts in connection with the sexual assault and stabbing of the girl’s mother last July before driving away with Wynter.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said the plea was an important step forward as they seek justice for Wynter Cole-Smith’s family and the people of Michigan.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 19th.
Trice faces a mandatory life sentence.