Sioux Falls Resident Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter
Robin Swallow accepted a plea deal following the death of Michael Colvin in a 2024 assault case.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Violence
Robin Swallow has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a Sioux Falls court, resulting in the dismissal of first- and second-degree murder charges. The 34-year-old was on active parole when he assaulted Michael Colvin, who later died following brain surgery.
Why it matters
The plea deal resolves a high-profile case involving a defendant who had previously entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The agreement sets a definitive cap on the prison term, concluding the legal proceedings regarding the 2024 incident.
The plea agreement limits the defendant to a 15-year maximum sentence in the state penitentiary. This follows the court's decision to dismiss the original murder charges against the 34-year-old defendant.
The players
Robin Swallow
The 34-year-old defendant was on active parole at the time of the assault.
Michael Colvin
The victim died in October 2024 following brain surgery necessitated by an assault.
The details
Robin Swallow, who was on active parole at the time of the September 2024 assault at 12th and Cleveland, changed his plea from not guilty by reason of insanity. Michael Colvin subsequently died in October 2024 after undergoing brain surgery related to his injuries.
Timeline
September 2024: Police responded to the assault at 12th and Cleveland.
October 2024: Michael Colvin died in the hospital.
2026: Robin Swallow changed his plea to guilty of manslaughter.
Legal Context
The proceedings reflect standard judicial handling of violent crimes committed by individuals on active parole within the state's criminal justice system. The resolution follows established protocols for negotiating charges against defendants with prior legal entanglements in jurisdictions like Pennington County.
The resolution of this case brings closure to a violent incident that occurred in the local neighborhood near 12th and Cleveland. Residents can note the transition of this case from an active investigation to the sentencing phase of the judicial process.
The takeaway
This case highlights how plea agreements function to streamline complex criminal matters involving insanity defenses and prior parole status. It underscores the legal finality achieved when prosecutors and defendants reach a court-approved sentencing cap.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the area, visit the Violence section.
