Suspect Scheduled for Plea Change in Sioux Falls Killing

A hearing is set for Al Pigney regarding his role in the fatal 2025 attack at Cherry Rock Park.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Crime — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a severe stone building facade partially framed by bare tree branches. — Al Pigney is scheduled to change his plea on Monday regarding his involvement in the 2025 fatal attack on Thomas Fernandez in Sioux Falls. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Al Pigney, one of four individuals charged in the death of 51-year-old Thomas Fernandez, is slated to change his plea in court this Monday. The hearing follows the 2025 incident at Cherry Rock Park where the victim died after being attacked.

Why it matters

The upcoming hearing marks a key step in the legal proceedings for the four suspects accused of killing Fernandez. The group allegedly knew the victim before the incident, during which they reportedly robbed him of a backpack and other personal items.

Al Pigney is one of four defendants currently charged in the fatal assault. The legal process is now entering a new stage as Pigney prepares for a court-scheduled change of plea hearing.

The players

Al Pigney

He is one of the four individuals facing charges for the fatal attack on Thomas Fernandez.

Thomas Fernandez

He was a 51-year-old man who died after being assaulted and robbed at Cherry Rock Park.

The details

Authorities claim that the group of suspects beat, kicked, and stomped on Thomas Fernandez at Cherry Rock Park. Following the attack, the individuals allegedly took items from the victim, who later died from his injuries at a hospital.

The attack occurred at Cherry Rock Park in September 2025.
Al Pigney is scheduled for a plea change hearing on September 22, 2026.

Legal Context

This case follows the established legal pattern for adjudicating violent felonies involving multiple co-defendants in the Sioux Falls court system. The proceedings highlight how local prosecutors handle complex, multi-party criminal cases in the wake of violent incidents.

The legal resolution of this case helps provide closure to the public following a violent incident at a prominent city park. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in city parks to help maintain community safety.

The takeaway

Legal proceedings regarding the 2025 attack are reaching a pivotal stage as the court reviews the plea. Residents can continue to follow public court dockets for updates on the trials of the remaining defendants.