CROOKSTON, Minn. (AP) In the hometown of convicted killer Alfonso Rodriguez Junior, there's relief that his trial is over.

There's sympathy in Crookston, Minnesota, for the family of his victim, Dru Sjodin (shuh-DEEN'), whose body was found in a ravine just outside of town. There's sympathy as well for Rodriguez's family, who were unable to persuade a jury not to sentence him to death.

There's also some anger that the state of Minnesota let Rodriguez out of prison, freeing him to victimize again.

But Police Chief Tim Motherway and others say there's been a notable absence of any backlash against the Crookston-area Hispanic community.

Some Crookston residents say they don't think the case had anything to do with race. They say the main issue is why the state ever let the convicted sex offender go free.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-27-06 0753CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list