USA - South Dakota. Judge Bradley Zell sentenced Eric Robert, 49, white, to death.

Second Circuit Judge Bradley Zell sentenced Eric Robert, 49, white, to death. In September, Robert pleaded guilty to murdering Ronald Johnson, a prison guard, on April 12, 2011 during an escape attempt from the South Dakota Penitentiary. Robert waived his right to a jury trial and asked Zell to give him the death sentence, saying his one regret was that he did not kill another officer and that he will kill again. Mark Kadi, Robert's attorney, said Robert will not take any additional steps to delay the execution, but the state Supreme Court will look over the sentence as part of a mandatory process. Robert had been serving an 80-year-sentence on a kidnapping conviction when he attempted to escape with Rodney Berget, 49. Berget, who has pleaded not guilty to the slaying, also faces the death penalty. His trial is scheduled to start Jan. 30. A third inmate, Michael J. Nordman, 47, was charged with supplying some of the items used in the killing. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty for Nordman.