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 on whether Rodriguez should be sentenced to death or to life in prison for the killing of Dru Sjodin (shuh-DEEN') of Pequot (PEE'kwaht) Lakes, Minnesota.

Today, Judge Erickson read a letter to the jury that was sent in March, in which Rodriguez offered to plead guilty in Sjodin's death and give up his right to appeal.

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 couldn't afford it.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-18-06 1525CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list