Defense wants death penalty authorization revoked in Alfonso Rodriguez case

(Fargo, ND) -- Defense attorneys are asking the U.S. government to revoke its authorization to seek the death penalty for the man who kidnapped and killed a North Dakota college student nearly 20 years ago.

A jury sentenced Alphonso Rodriguez Jr. to death in 2007 for the 2003 murder of 22-year-old Dry Sjodin. A judge overturned the decision to execute Rodriguez last year ruling defense attorneys were ineffective during the sentencing phase of the trial.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is requesting a second sentencing trial for the 69-year-old.