A 44-year-old man in South Dakota is heading to prison for more than a decade after a tragic and bizarre crime last year. Pedro Simental was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for killing 40-year-old Edleigha Little during a heated argument. The shocking incident took place at the Stardust Motel in Rapid City, where Simental used a can of beans to fatally hit Little after she tore his Denver Broncos jersey.
Last month, Simental admitted to the crime by pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter. During his sentencing on Monday, Judge Joshua Hendrickson acknowledged the complexity of the case before handing down the agreed-upon 15-year sentence, which both the defense and prosecutors had recommended. Without this plea deal, Simental could have faced life in prison.
At the sentencing hearing, Simental’s lawyer argued that Little’s poor health and heavy drinking that night played a role in her death. He described the fatal blow to her head as a reckless but singular act. Prosecutors, however, raised concerns about Simental’s lack of remorse, pointing out that he took little responsibility for his actions during a presentence investigation.
Little’s niece gave an emotional victim impact statement in court, remembering her aunt as a kind and thoughtful person. She also accused Simental of repeatedly abusing Little and pleaded with the judge to impose a harsh sentence to protect other women from a similar fate.
The tragedy unfolded late on November 8, 2023, when Little was found injured at the Stardust Motel on East North Street. An unknown man had called 911, prompting emergency medical workers to take her to Monument Hospital on Fairmont Boulevard. When police arrived at the hospital around 3 a.m. on November 9, Little was unconscious and had severe bruises on her head, neck, and face. Sadly, she died a few hours later.
An autopsy later confirmed that Little’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to the left side of her head, and her case was ruled a homicide. During initial questioning, Simental denied any involvement. But in a follow-up interview days later, he admitted he had hit Little with a can during an argument. He told investigators the fight started because Little grabbed and tore his Broncos jersey, angering him.
This deeply disturbing case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Little’s family and loved ones are left grieving her loss, while Simental faces the consequences of his actions in prison.
