The State of South Dakota is preparing to execute its first inmate since 2007.
Fifty-year-old Eric Robert is scheduled to die at 10 p.m. He pleaded guilty to killing correctional officer Ronald "RJ" Johnson during a failed escape attempt in 2011.
In the hours before the execution, Robert is held in a holding cell that is just steps away from death chamber.
When it's time for the execution he will be taken into the death chamber with the Penitentiary Warden and a staff member.
There are four witness rooms around the chamber. Ronald Johnson's family, Attorney General Marty Jackley, Judge Brad Zell, Minnehaha County State's Attorney Aaron McGowan, and Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead are all invited to witness the execution. Two media members are also invited to attend.
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