SIOUX FALLS (AP) -- Judges have now signed orders allowing jail officials to force-feed if necessary both state prison inmates charged with killing a correctional officer at the South Dakota Penitentiary.
The Argus Leader reports that Judge Kathleen Caldwell on Monday signed a court order relating to 48-year-old Eric Robert. Judge Joseph Neiles signed an order last week for 48-year-old Rodney Berget.
Both suspects are on hunger strikes. The orders allow officials to monitor their health and force them to take nutrition and fluids if necessary.
The two are accused of killing 63-year-old Ronald Johnson during a failed escape attempt April 12. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Court records filed Tuesday show that Robert has accepted only Gatorade since April 19 and has lost 10 pounds since he arrived at the Minnehaha County Jail.
