Defense lawyer in Rodriguez case not surprised by death verdict

Fargo, N.D. (AP) The death penalty attorney who represented Alfonso Rodriguez Junior says he was saddened but not surprised by a federal jury's decision to end his client's life.

Kansas lawyer Richard Ney (nay) says it was a high-profile case and it would be hard for jurors not be influenced by the feelings of the community.

Ney says he doesn't question any of the jurors who sentenced Rodriguez to death for the 2003 kidnapping and killing of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin (shuh-DEEN'), of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.

But he says he continues to struggle with how the government can sanction capital punishment.

U-S Attorney Drew Wrigley says the trial outcome was grounded in justice and demonstrates why the death penalty should be applied on a case-by-case basis.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-01-06 1003CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list