Guilty plea in killing of transgender woman in New Westminster

January Marie Lapuz, 26, was stabbed to death in New Westminster on Sept. 29, 2012. (Facebook)

A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of transgender woman January Lapuz in New Westminster two years ago.

Charles Jameson Neel, who was originally charged with second-degree murder, entered his plea Monday in New Westminster Supreme Court.

Lapuz was found stabbed in her home on Sept. 30, 2012 and died in hospital.

The deceased had been a social coordinator for the South Asian gay, lesbian and transgender group Sher Vancouver since 2009.

Advocates said her killing highlighted the risk of violence and discrimination transgender people can face.

Police never released a suspected motive in the homicide.