SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - An inmate who acknowledged killing a
South Dakota prison guard in a failed escape attempt has appeared
in a Minnehaha County courtroom to discuss the next steps in his
case.
Forty-nine-year-old Rodney Berget appeared before Judge Bradley
Zell at a motions hearing Wednesday. Berget has acknowledged
attacking 63-year-old Ronald Johnson in an unsuccessful escape
attempt with 49-year-old Eric Robert. Robert pleaded guilty and has
been sentenced to death.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers argued several motions relating
to Berget's case ahead of his pre-sentencing hearing, which begins
Jan. 30.
Prosecutors say another inmate, 47-year-old Michael Nordman,
supplied the materials to Berget and Robert. He has pleaded not
guilty, and prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the
death penalty against Nordman.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-01-18-12 1620EST
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