Ashley MacLean Kearse home invasion suspects plead guilty

Three youths, accused in the shooting of a 19-year-old Cole Harbour student, have pleaded guilty to several charges in the home invasion that left the teenager a quadriplegic.

Ashley MacLean Kearse survived a shooting during a home invasion in November. Doctors told her she was paralyzed from the chest down, but she has since defied predictions and regained partial use of her arms.

Three 17-year-old boys were charged in the aftermath. On Monday, they pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, breaking and entering, robbery and wearing a mask to commit a crime.

The more serious charge of attempted murder was dropped.

Markel Jason Downey, a 19-year-old boxer who represented Nova Scotia in the 2011 Canada Games in Halifax, is also charged in the case. He is facing charges of attempted murder, robbery, breaking and entering, carrying a concealed weapon and pointing a firearm.

Downey's preliminary inquiry is scheduled for February and he is currently in custody.