SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The sentencing hearing for an inmate
who pleaded guilty to the April killing of a South Dakota
penitentiary guard continues Tuesday morning.
     Second Circuit Judge Bradley Zell is weighing whether
49-year-old Eric Robert should be sentenced to death for the
slaying of 63-year-old Ronald Johnson. Robert acknowledged in
September that he bashed Johnson with a pipe, covered his mouth
with plastic wrap and wore the dead man's uniform in the failed
escape attempt. Robert has waived his right to a jury trial.
     Robert said he wants to be put to death for the slaying, but
Zell said the state still has to prove that the death penalty is
warranted during the pre-sentence hearing.
     The hearing started on Monday and is expected to last at least
through Wednesday.
     
    

    
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 AP-NY-10-25-11 0526EDT