BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Levi Aron pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping and second-degree murder in connection with the killing of Leiby Kletzky. Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-NY) spoke on the family's behalf and said Leiby's family requested a plea deal negotiation to avoid hearing the gruesome details of the child's murder at court. According to authorities, Leiby Kletzky was walking home from day camp in the Hasidic Jewish neighborhood of Borough Park on July 11, 2011 when he got lost and asked Aron for directions. Aron then lured the boy into his apartment, drugged him and eventually chopped his body to pieces.

Police say the family of the victim was not present at the hearing. Sentencing day for Aron is set for August 29.