Man accused in fatal Rapid City motel beating pleads guilty

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - A man accused in a fatal beating at a Rapid City motel in December has pleaded guilty.

Thirty-four-year-old Clifford Gilbert is accused of using a walking stick to violently beat Robert Smith at the Stardust Motel. Prosecutors say Gilbert then used his fists and feet to deliver the fatal blows while the 61-year-old victim was on the floor.

Court documents say Gilbert told investigators he “snapped” in anger while he was in a motel room with Smith and a woman.

Gilbert pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. A charge of second-degree murder will be dismissed as part of the plea agreement.