Court records have shown that the son of a former speaker of the California State Assembly pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing death of a college student.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on Wednesday that the pleas of Esteban Nunez, 21, son of former speaker Fabian Nunez, and another defendant, Ryan Jett, 24, were entered just as jury selection was beginning for their trial on murder charges in the October 2008 fight leading to the death of Luis Santos, 22, a student at San Diego's Mesa College.

The newspaper further said that the two could face 16 years in prison when they are sentenced for voluntary manslaughter and assault June 25.

The defendants were reportedly upset after being turned away from a fraternity party, according to evidence presented at the preliminary hearing.

The Union-Tribune also reported that defense attorneys said Nunez and Jett were acting in self-defense when a fight broke out. (With Inputs from Agencies)