A New York City man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a 24-year-old man in the heart while in a jealous rage over a girlfriend.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said 23-year-old Angel Santiago, of Far Rockaway, Queens, acknowledged stabbing Guillermo Rojas on June 23, 2008 as a warning to stay away from Santiago's girlfriend.

Santiago pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Tuesday as a jury was being chosen for his trial.

Brown called the killing "senseless" and said Santiago faces from 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 14.

Defense lawyer Steven Goldenberg did not immediately return a call requesting comment.