Sioux Falls Police Arrest Murder Suspect

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
January 09, 2013 7:01 PM


A 22-year-old Sioux Falls man is behind bars and faced with a handful of charges following an apparent murder that took place Saturday.

The victim in this case, Crescencio Condevargas lived in a brick house on 8th street near Cliff Avenue, where authorities said the suspect, Robert Bass III, killed Condevargas with a baseball bat.

According to Minnehaha County’s State’s Attorney Aaron McGowen, Bass is faced with murder and manslaughter charges.

"Murder in the 2nd degree, class B felony, mandatory life in prison also two alternative counts of manslaughter in the first degree, Class C felony up to life in the state penitentiary," said McGowen.

Police said Bass was with the victim, Condevargas on Friday night, when an altercation between the two took place around four in the morning Saturday at Condevargas's home.

"Mr. Bass took a bat and struck the victim, we believe at least a couple of times. One of the injuries was to head, which caused a skull fracture," said Chief Doug Barthel, Sioux Falls Police Department.

Court papers said Bass was at Condevargas's home and was trying to invite his 17-year-old girlfriend over to spend the night.

The text messages said things like, "bay u gona come over here, I did some terrible omg, come get me I’m at the gas station plead for cops come, and I’m in trouble.”

Court papers also say blood was found all over Condevargas's home, on the victim, in the bedroom and on the bathroom walls.

An autopsy showed Condevargas suffered from lacerations and abrasions to his face, a facture to his skull and fractured ribs.

Bass's family was present at his court appearance Wednesday and after Bass’s attorneys talked with the judge; Bass blew a kiss to someone sitting on his side of the courtroom.

KDLT News asked Bass’s family members if they had anything to say and they said "no comment."

The victim, Condevargas's family was also at the courthouse Wednesday, but they did not sit in on the hearing.
     
Bass has another court appearance Thursday afternoon.