GUILTY SD - Ronald Johnson, 63, prison guard, killed in escape attempt, 12 April 2011

Robert was put to death in the same prison where he killed guard Ronald "RJ" Johnson during an escape attempt on April 12, 2011. Robert was serving an 80-year sentence on a kidnapping conviction when he tried to break out with fellow inmate Rodney Berget...

He pleaded guilty to Johnson's slaying and asked to be sentenced to death, telling a judge last October that he would otherwise kill again. He never appealed his sentence and even tried to bypass a mandatory state review in hopes of expediting his death.

Berget also has pleaded guilty in the killing, but has appealed his death sentence. A third inmate, Michael Nordman, 47, was given a life sentence for providing materials used in the slaying.

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Convicted killer and death row inmate Rodney Berget sent a letter to the judge requesting to withdraw his appeal.

Berget was in court Friday morning. He wrote in his letter to the judge that he wanted to discontinue his current habeas appeal, against the wishes of his attorneys.

“I want this to be the last day I appear in court," he said.

Attorney General Marty Jackley then proceeded to request a dismissal of the stay of execution in the case.

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