Death penalty groups gather ahead of execution

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SIOUX FALLS (AP) — People who oppose and support the death penalty have gathered outside of the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls ahead of the scheduled execution of Eric Robert Monday night.

Robert is scheduled to die by lethal injection at about 10 p.m. for the killing of prison guard Ronald Johnson.

Elaine Engelgau opposes the death penalty. She says it doesn't make sense that the state would do the very thing that they are punishing the person for.

But Tonya Reyelts-Doese says Robert's death will help bring some closure to the Johnson family. She was among handful of people waving banners and flags in support of Johnson and his family.

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