STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT:

“Today in North Dakota, the Justice Department announced that a grand jury has returned an indictment charging Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr., with kidnapping resulting in the death of Dru Sjodin. As alleged in the indictment, the grand jury also found the existence of statutory factors that make Rodriguez eligible for the death penalty. These include that he intentionally killed Miss Sjodin, that he has previously been convicted of two or more federal or state offenses punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year, and that he killed Miss Sjodin in an especially heinous, cruel and depraved manner. This case will be reviewed by the Justice Department according to standard procedures to determine whether the death penalty will be sought.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to Miss Sjodin's family and friends, and I commend all of the state, local and federal law enforcement officials for their hard work to investigate this case.”

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