Man Gets 34 Years in Death of 2-year-old in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A man who pleaded guilty to killing his former girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter in Rapid City has been sentenced to 34 years in prison.

Twenty-four-year-old Edward Berges initially faced murder and other charges in the death last August of Evelyn Molnar. He pleaded guilty in May to manslaughter and was sentenced Thursday.

Authorities say Berges became frustrated while watching Molnar and struck her in the head, causing her death.

The child's mother, Nicole Randall, spoke during Berges' sentencing, saying she will be haunted for the rest of her life but forgiving Berges "so we can move ahead."

Berges will have to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

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