Man Involved in Altercation Dies, Arrest Made

The man injured in a physical altercation in Effingham earlier this week has died of his injuries, and an arrest has been made.

Effingham Police Chief Jeffrey Fuesting said the man who has died of his injuries was 53-year-old Corey Stice of Effingham. The man arrested in the incident is 57-year-old Robert Pendergast of Effingham.

Pendergast was charged with aggravated battery. He is being held in Effingham County Jail. His bond was set Thursday at $100,000.

Fuesting said Pendergast has been in custody since the altercation occurred. He reminded that no weapons were involved in the altercation.

City police had been notified of the altercation at 2:56pm Tuesday inside a residence in the 1000 block of Edgar Avenue. Stice was found inside having received a severe injury. He was taken to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham where he died Thursday.

Fuesting confirmed that Pendergast is the only suspect in the case. Pendergast made his initial court appearance on Thursday and was appointed the Public Defender. He is due to make his first court appearance with counsel on May 24.