SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota inmate has pleaded
guilty to first-degree murder in the killing of a prison guard.
Forty-seven-year-old Michael Nordman pleaded guilty Thursday in
a deal with prosecutors that will allow him to serve a sentence of
life in prison. A first-degree murder charge carries a maximum
sentence of death.
Prosecutors say Nordman supplied the pipe and plastic wrap that
inmates Eric Robert and Rodney Berget used to suffocate and fatally
beat guard Ronald Johnson on April 12 - Johnson's 63rd birthday.
The sentence will be served consecutive to the life sentence he
is already serving for rape and child abuse.
Robert and Berget each pleaded guilty to attacking Johnson
inside the Sioux Falls prison and using his uniform in an
unsuccessful escape attempt. Both have been sentenced to death.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-02-09-12 1025EST
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