Bobbie Little pleads to killing his friend over drugs in 2014

A Cedar Rapids man who admitted to killing his 'best friend” in 2014 over crack cocaine, pleaded guilty Wednesday to lesser charges.

Bobbie Little, 34, originally charged with first-degree murder and second-degree theft, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, first-degree robbery and second-degree theft. He faces 40 years in prison.

Little admitted to stabbing Shanna Beyhl, 37, on April 3, 2014, because she wouldn't give him crack cocaine.

Little also admitted to grabbing a knife when Beyhl would give him crack, threatening her, and then stabbing her. He then stole her property, including a gaming system, two cellphones, two televisions and a digital camera.

Beyhl was stabbed 18 times, according to the medical examiner, said Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott. At least one of the wounds, to the jugular vein, was 'fatal in nature,” he said.

Scott said testimony at trial would have included information that Beyhl abused crack cocaine abuse and that Little also was known as a drug user. The prosecution also had evidence that Beyhl's blood was found on Little's clothes.

Scott also noted that a police investigator, in a previous hearing, said Little confessed to killing Beyhl and had described Beyhl during a second police interview as his best friend.

Judge Marsha Bergan of the 6th Judicial District previously had ruled that testimony couldn't be used at trial, saying Little's rights were violated. Little asked for a lawyer the day before during his first police interview. His lawyer was present during the second interview.

Bergan said the 25-, 10- and five-year sentences on each of the charges will run consecutively. She told Little that he will be required to serve 17 of 25 years for first-degree robbery before becoming eligible for parole.

Little also must pay victim restitution to Beyhl's estate of $150,000.

Sentencing wasn't set Wednesday. Bergan was expected to work that out with the lawyers after the hearing.