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Monday, 30 January 2012 07:39 |
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) _ A South Dakota inmate who has
acknowledged killing a prison guard in a failed escape attempt is
scheduled to appear in court Monday for the first day of his
pre-sentencing hearing.
Forty-nine-year-old Rodney Berget has pleaded guilty to
attacking 63-year-old Ronald Johnson with fellow inmate Eric
Robert. Berget has said he wants a judge, not a jury, to decide
whether he should spend life in prison or be put to death for the
killing.
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 he 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.) |
