The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the sentence of death for Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., a convicted sex offender found guilty of kidnapping resulting in the death of Dru Sjodin.

“While no decision will erase the pain of Dru’s loss, I commend the jurors on making a difficult, but appropriate, ruling. Justice is served by today’s decision. We pray that Dru’s family and friends, who have been so affected by his heinous act, will find some closure in today’s outcome.”