Rodrigues Final Steps

(AP) Linda Walker of Pequot Lakes says it is disheartening to hear the excuses from Alfonso Rodrigues Jr in connection with the death of Walker's daughter Dru Sjodin.

Rodrigues, of Crookston, was convicted and sentenced to death in connection with the 2003 murder of Sjodin, a student at North Dakota State University.

A federal judge in Fargo is urging lawyers on both sides of the death penalty case to narrow the issues and avoid "an endless parade" of hearings.

Defense attorneys have filed a habeas corpus motion, considered the last step in the appeals process.  Judge Ralph Erickson set a July 2nd date for prosecutors to file their response to the motion.  The defense claims Rodrigues was mentally disabled and his trial team ineffective.