Judge Weighing Death Penalty In SD Guard Killing

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The widow of a South Dakota prison guard killed during a failed escape attempt says her husband's
death was a needless act.
 
Lynette Johnson testified Tuesday at the pre-sentencing hearing of 49-year-old inmate Rodney Berget, who has pleaded guilty to attacking 63-year-old Ronald Johnson with fellow inmate Eric Robert.

Judge Bradley Zell is weighing whether Berget should be sentenced to death for the April 12 killing.

Zell earlier sentenced Robert to death for his part in the crime after he pleaded guilty.  A third inmate has been charged with providing the materials used to kill Johnson.

Lynette Johnson says there was no reason for her husband to be killed.

Her two kids earlier testified about the role their father's death has played in their lives.