Woman pleads guilty in KCK murder of pregnant woman and unborn child

A 26-year-old Kansas City, Kan., woman pleaded guilty Friday for her role in the killing an expectant mother and her unborn child.

Alora Mendoza pleaded guilty in Wyandotte County District Court to two counts of reckless second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting last June of Jocelyn Ybarra and Ybarra’s unborn child.

Ybarra, 23, was 12 weeks pregnant. She was killed on North 41st Terrace near Parallel Parkway and Interstate 635.

Mendoza, 26, was initially charged with two counts of first-degree felony murder and with attempted aggravated robbery.

Assistant District Attorney Darrell Smith said Friday that Mendoza aided and abetted another person who allegedly shot Ybarra in an attempt to steal her car.

Mendoza will be asked to testify against her co-defendant as part of Friday’s plea agreement.

Her sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.