RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Box Elder man accused of fatally shooting a woman last year has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Arkadius Wright was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Esther Wolfe, who was shot execution-style on East North Street in February of 2024.
Prosecutors said Wright was acting at the direction of Ezekiel Mayweather, who allegedly orchestrated the killing to retaliate for his brother’s 2019 death.
At a change-of-plea hearing this week, Wright pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Under the plea deal, prosecutors recommended a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison, although the Circuit Judge can still impose a sentence of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Wright is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 2.
Mayweather, in the meantime, is scheduled to go to trial on October 1st.