HEBER CITY -- A 56-year-old illegal immigrant has joined his son in pleading guilty to the murder of a popular Roman Catholic deacon who was shot while driving his pickup truck after a Mass.

Antonio Pelaez-Vasquez pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder this week in 4th District Court in Wasatch County, according to court documents.

His son, Cunny Pelaez, 20, was sentenced to six years to life in prison March 7.

After a Mass in Park City in 2005, Aniceto Armendariz, 42, was shot in the head while riding in a truck with his wife, Alma, on U.S. 40.

Pelaez was in a van with his father. The van crashed, and the suspects were quickly caught. The son has denied being the shooter.

Wasatch County attorney Thomas Low has speculated that Armendariz, a Mexican immigrant who had permanent-resident status in the U.S., was killed because of his success and social standing.

Pelaez-Vasquez could face up to life in prison when he is sentenced May 3.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D2.