Defense attorneys rest in Rodriguez trial penalty phase

Fargo, N.D. (AP) Defense attorneys have rested their case in the penalty phase of Alfonso Rodriguez Junior's trial.

Prosecutors will have a chance to offer rebuttal witnesses tomorrow.

U-S District Judge Ralph Erickson says he expects jurors to start deliberating Wednesday morning on whether Rodriguez should be sentenced to death or to life in prison for the killing of Dru Sjodin (shuh-DEEN').

Today Rodriguez's attorneys entered into evidence a letter sent in March, in which he offered to plead guilty in Sjodin's death and give up his right to appeal. Prosecutors objected to the letter.

The last defense witness was Rodriguez's sister, Ileanna Noyes, of Euclid, Minnesota. She said her family had hoped to get Rodriguez into a halfway house but could not afford it.

Noyes also said her husband, Daniel, had helped search for Sjodin after she disappeared in November 2003.

Earlier, prison psychologist Rita St. George said Rodriguez asked to see her in January 2003 and told her he was frightened about being released. He had been serving time for assaults on women.

St. George said a follow-up interview in February showed Rodriguez was doing better. But she wished she had raised more questions about his release.

Under questioning from prosecutor Norm Anderson, St. George said Rodriguez did not tell her in February that he wanted to stay in prison.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-18-06 1418CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list