(Linda Walker, Dru Sjodin's Mother) "I know it wasn't an easy decision for the jurors. I'm sure. But Dru's voice was heard today."


The mother of Dru Sjodin says justice was served today as a federal jury decided the man who kidnapped and killed her daughter should die.

Linda Walker's belief was echoed by others around the state.

Governor John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued statements saying the jury's verdict of death for Alfonso Rodriguez, Junior is a just one.

Sjodin's father, Allan, said the long, nearly 1000 day, ordeal has been bearable only because of the memory of Dru.

(Allan Sjodin, Dru's Father) "It's her strength that has driven us. Her passion, her compassion, her serious love for everyone that gave us the qualities to continue this battle. And everyone in this country has been behind us, backed us for one reason...not for us but for Dru, for justice for her. Justice is served."


(Drew Wrigley, US Attorney) "There was no possible set of words that I could find to convey to that jury through me what Dru's family has been forced to go through. I don't think that I needed to because the jury saw that when her family and loved ones were allowed to take the stand and talk to those issues.

Rodriguez looked straight ahead and showed no emotion as the death sentence was announced in court today.

His attorney says the Rodriguez family is devastated by the death sentence decision.

Richard Ney says he will file paperwork to seek a new trial, and if that fails, he will appeal the sentence. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list