A Cape Girardeau teenager has pled guilty to beating her neighbor in a hate crime.  On July 24^th at approximately 7:44 PM police responded to the 600 block of South Park Street for a fight in progress.  The report showed several subjects assaulting one female on the ground.  Police arrested 17 year old Mercedes Ayers was charged with a hate crime assault charge and burglary in the beating of her neighbor.  She pled guilty Monday and admitted the beating was motivated in part by the victim’s sexual orientation.  The burglary charge was dropped for the plea.  A sentencing has been set for November 5^th.