South Dakota Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Manslaughter in Fatal Bean Can Attack

PEDRO SIMENTAL

South Dakota Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Manslaughter in Fatal Bean Can Attack

A 44-year-old South Dakota man, Pedro Simental, has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison for the 2023 killing of Edleigha Little, 40. The fatal incident occurred after a heated argument escalated into violence, with Simental striking Little with a can of beans. The altercation reportedly began after Little tore Simental’s Denver Broncos jersey.

Seventh Circuit Judge Joshua Hendrickson handed down the sentence on Monday, adhering to the plea agreement reached between the defense and prosecution. Simental had pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in November 2023, avoiding a potential life sentence.

Case Background

On November 9, 2023, officers from the Rapid City Police Department responded to Monument Hospital after Little was admitted with severe injuries. Medical personnel had picked her up from the Stardust Motel following a 911 call. She was alive but unconscious, showing significant bruising to her head, neck, and face. Despite medical efforts, Little succumbed to her injuries hours later.

An autopsy determined her death resulted from blunt force trauma to the head, classifying it as a homicide. Initial interviews with Simental yielded no admission of guilt. However, during a follow-up interview, he confessed to striking Little with a can during an argument after she damaged his jersey.

Courtroom Developments

During the sentencing hearing, Simental’s attorney highlighted Little’s poor health and high alcohol consumption, suggesting these factors contributed to her death from a single blow. Prosecutors, however, raised concerns about Simental’s lack of accountability, citing his pre-sentence investigation.

A victim impact statement from Little’s niece painted a picture of a caring and thoughtful woman who suffered abuse at Simental’s hands. She urged the judge to impose a lengthy sentence to prevent further harm to others.

Judge’s Remarks

Before delivering the sentence, Judge Hendrickson acknowledged the complexity of the case. While Simental faced the possibility of life imprisonment, the court ultimately honored the plea agreement, imposing a 15-year sentence.