Pendergast Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

The Effingham man charged in the altercation that led to the death of another man earlier this year has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

(ROBERT PENDERGAST)

58-year-old Robert Pendergast entered the guilty plea during a pre-trial hearing Thursday in Effingham County Circuit Court. Pendergast was sentenced to three years in prison for the offense.

Pendergast was charged with placing a chokehold on 53-year-old Corey Stice of Effingham during an incident at an Effingham residence in May of this year. Stice later died.

Pendergast was given credit for 229 days served in jail while awaiting disposition of his case. A separate count of aggravated battery was dismissed as part of the negotiated plea.

Pendergast had been slated to go on trial on January 8.