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Monday, 30 January 2012 09:55 |
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ A defense lawyer for a South Dakota
inmate who has acknowledged killing a prison guard in a failed
escape attempt says his client is ``not a monster.''
Rodney Berget has pleaded guilty to attacking 63-year-old guard
Ronald Johnson with fellow inmate Eric Robert. Second Circuit Judge
Bradley Zell must find that at least one aggravating factor was
present during the killing to sentence Berget to death. He also can
consider mitigating factors when making his decision.
Defense lawyer Jeff Larson said during opening statements Monday
in Berget's pre-sentencing hearing that there were three
aggravating factors in the case but asked Zell to consider
mitigating factors as well.
Attorney General Marty Jackley says he will present five
aggravating factors during the hearing, which is expected to last
all week.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) |
