Robert's death sentence upheld by high court - KOTA Territory News

Robert's death sentence upheld by high court

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South Dakota's highest court has upheld the death sentence of Eric Robert.

The 50-year-old pleaded guilty to killing correction officer Ron Johnson in April 2011, and asked to be executed for the crime.

A circuit judge sentenced Robert to death and set his execution for May. The state Supreme Court postponed the execution so it could review the case, and on Thursday, ruled the death sentence was proper.

The unanimous ruling says the sentence is proportionate to the crime and aggravating circumstances justify the death penalty.

The high court says circuit judge Bradley Zell can now issue another execution order.

A second inmate involved in the escape attempt, 49-year-old Rodney Berget, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to death.

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