Testimony On Robert's Character Part Of Hearing

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Eric Robert’s past was brought forward as evidence against him in his murder sentencing hearing Tuesday afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to killing South Dakota Correctional Officer Ron Johnson and now faces the death penalty. A judge will decide Robert’s fate following this week’s hearing.

In 2005, Robert pleaded guilty to kidnapping a young woman and was sentenced to 80 years in prison. That victim testified about what happened that night in July when she was returning home from work. She says Robert pulled her over and posed as an officer, did field sobriety tests and searched her car, including the inside of her trunk. When she went to close the trunk, Robert picked her up and put her inside, telling her he was going to take her to Sturgis. Robert left the car and after calling 911 with a cell phone from inside the trunk, the victim was freed safely.

A former live-in girlfriend in Wisconsin also testified about Robert’s temper and how he repeatedly assaulted her. In one instance, she needed six stitches after being hit in the face.  Another time, she was knocked unconscious when she jumped from a moving truck to avoid being hit again. She also says Robert had sexually assaulted her after he beat her. She never filed charges against Robert.

Ben Dunsmoor will have the details on Tuesday’s proceedings on KELOLAND News at Five, Six and Ten.

Court is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning, which you will be able to watch live on KELOLAND.com.