RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA/Gray News) – A South Dakota man has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter after the death of Edleigha Little, whom he struck with a can of beans during an argument in November 2023.
Pedro Simental, 44, admitted to hitting Little in the head with the can to push her away after a physical altercation. During the court hearing, Simental and his defense attorney explained that the argument began when Little ripped his shirt. The defense also highlighted that Little had a blood alcohol content of .474% at the time of the incident, arguing that her heavy drinking played a more significant role in her death than the blow to her head.
Medical examiners noted that the hematoma believed to have been caused by the strike was likely a result of severe alcoholism, citing “minimal external signs of trauma.”
In court, Simental took responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse, stating that he did not intend to harm Little. He hoped his acceptance of a plea deal would show her family and the community that he regretted the tragic outcome.
Simental was sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary for his involvement in Little’s death.