A man and woman charged in the death of Sarnia school teacher Noelle Paquette have pleaded guilty to first degree murder.
Lambton OPP confirm that 22-year-old Michael MacGregor and 34-year-old Tanya Bogdanovich entered the pleas in the Superior Court of Justice in St. Thomas Friday morning.
The pleas negate the need for a trial that was scheduled for next April in Windsor. The venue had been changed from Sarnia due in part to publicity-related concerns.
First degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
An agreed to statement of facts was read in court Friday but a two-day hearing will be held in February, at which time further details and victim impact statements are to be presented.
Paquette, 27, went missing following a New Year's Eve party in downtown Sarnia January 1, 2013. She was found after an extensive search in a woodlot off Mandaumin Rd. the following day.
A charity called Noelle's Gift was established following the tragedy and has raised over $500,000. The charity focuses on ensuring every student in Lambton County has the resources needed to thrive, including adequate nutrition, shoes and school supplies.