Gov. Daugaard: Execution to mark 'sad day' for SD

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PIERRE (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the pending execution of prison guard killer Eric Robert marks a "sad day for South Dakota."

Daugaard says in a Monday night statement that executions are rare in the state and are "warranted only with extreme forethought and certainty."

Robert was to be executed Monday night for the April 2011 death of Ronald "R.J." Johnson, who was killed during a failed prison escape. Robert and inmate Rodney Berget beat Johnson with a pipe and put plastic wrap around his head. The inmates were detained by other officers.

Daugaard says he hopes Robert's execution brings closure to Johnson's family.

Robert admitted to a judge his role in the death and says he would kill again. Berget is appealing his death sentence.

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