CROOKSTON, Minn. (KFGO-AM) - A small group of Catholic nuns who live in the hometown of convicted killer Alfonso Rodriguez is on a mission to save his life.
Sister Pat Murphy is one of about a dozen members of the Congregation of St. Joseph in Crookston. Without recognition or fanfare, the nuns have been devoting their lives to overturning capital punishment.
Sister Pat has been focusing on Rodriguez, who is on death row for the kidnapping and murder of Dru Sjodin. “We have laws against premeditated murder” according to Sister Pat. “Capital punishment is premediated - and it’s murder,”
Sister Pat knows that many people would rather see Rodriguez executed. “I know there are people here in Crookston who know Alfonso Rodriguez, she said. “I was in one of the local restaurants during the time (Sjodin) was still being looked for. Her parents were there in the restaurant; easy to identify. Just those little connections kept my antennae up.”
“It’s a risk for me because I’ve never stepped out and spoken publicly on issues like this, and I know (my views) are unpopular. Even within my own family, they won’t understand it.”
Sister Pat has written letters to the U.S. Dept. of Justice and U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson, who presided over Rodriguez's trial in Fargo. She received a reply from the warden of the federal prison in Indiana where Rodriguez is on death row. The warden referred her questions to Rodriguez's attorneys.
Sister Pat says she's realistic about what kind of impact the Congregation's work can have. She doesn't expect to change the entire justice system, but says she hopes to make a difference close to home.