The man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager more than five years ago has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

The man accused of killing a Nanaimo teenager more than five years ago has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Steven Michael Bacon admitted in court yesterday that he killed Makayla Chang in early 2017.

He was arrested on an unrelated charge in New Brunswick in January of that year.

Bacon, 61, was initially charged with first-degree murder of the teen he called his “Dearest Baby Bird” and “the most precious person he has ever known.” He reported her disappearance to Nanaimo RCMP.

Last month, Bacon's lawyer indicated his client would plead guilty to the charge.

Sentencing is likely to occur in January and carries an automatic life term with no parole for 25 years. Bacon was charged with Chang's death in September of 2020.