Fargo, N.D. (AP) The trial of Alfonso Rodriguez Junior is entering its final stage and jurors may soon begin deliberating whether he should get the death penalty.

Rodriguez could be the first person sentenced to death in North Dakota in nearly 100 years.

The verdict by the federal court jury of seven women and five men must be unanimous for Rodriguez to be sentenced to death instead of life in prison. He was already convicted of kidnapping resulting in the death of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin.

North Dakota does not have the death penalty but it is allowed in federal cases.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-17-06 1544CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list