Defense witnesses describe Rodriguez's behavior in jail

Fargo, N.D. (AP) Defense attorneys used their last witnesses in the trial of Alfonso Rodriguez Junior to describe his good behavior in jail and his close relationship with his young niece and nephew.

The defense has been trying to persuade the jury to spare his life.

Defense lawyers rested their case yesterday in the penalty phase of the trial. The government is scheduled to give rebuttal testimony today before jurors begin deciding whether Rodriguez should be put to death or spend the rest of his life in prison. He was convicted earlier of kidnapping resulting in the death of Dru Sjodin (shuh-DEEN')of Pequot (PEE'-kwaht) Lakes, Minnesota.

The judge says he expects jury deliberations to begin after closing arguments tomorrow morning.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-19-06 0201CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list