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Monday, 30 January 2012 09:55 |
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ A pre-sentencing hearing has started in
the case of Rodney Berget, a South Dakota inmate who has
acknowledged killing a prison guard in a failed escape attempt.
Monday's proceeding is the beginning of what is expected to be a
weeklong hearing to determine whether the 49-year-old Berget should
die for the crime.
Berget has pleaded guilty to attacking 63-year-old Ronald
Johnson with fellow inmate Eric Robert. Second Circuit Judge
Bradley Zell will hear testimony from prosecutors and defense
lawyers before deciding Berget's fate.
Zell earlier sentenced Robert to death for his part in the crime
after Robert pleaded guilty.
A third inmate has been charged with providing the materials
used to kill Johnson.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) |
