Dru Sjodin
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Dru Sjodin
Dru Kathrina Sjodin (September 26, 1981 - 2003), a student from the University of North Dakota, was a victim of kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. Her disappearance garnered great media coverage throughout the country.
During the early evening hours of November 22, 2003, Sjodin finished her shift at Victoria's Secret located in Columbia Mall in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Dru shopped at the mall's Marshall Fields department store and then left the mall. While walking to her car she spoke with her boyfriend, Chris Lang, via cellular phone. Suddenly, Dru said something to the effect of "Oh no! Ok, ok!" and the call was abruptly ended. About three hours later, Lang received another call from her cell phone but only heard static and the sound of buttons being pressed. It has been determined that this second phone call originated somewhere near Fisher, Minnesota.
On December 2, a suspect, 50-year-old registered level III sexual predator Alfonso Rodriguez, Jr., was arrested in connection with Sjodin's disappearance. According to police reports, Rodriguez admitted being near the Columbia Mall the day Sjodin disappeared, allegedly watching the movie Once Upon a Time in Mexico. That movie was not playing at any theater in the area. The police also found receipts of purchases that Rodriguez had made at several stores near the mall including one receipt for a knife. Police also found a woman's shoe and a knife in Rodriguez's car that had blood on it that matched Sjodin's DNA. Rodriguez had been released from jail in May of 2003 after completing a 23-year prison term for stabbing and trying to kidnap a woman. Rodriguez had also previously pleaded guilty to rape.
Dru's body was recovered April 17, 2004 just west of Crookston, Minnesota when deep snow drifts began to melt. Thousands of people had helped search for the young woman; hundreds attended her funeral.
Rodriguez is currently being held in Fargo, North Dakota where he is awaiting trial. Prosecutors are seeking the federal death penalty. A scholarship has been set up in Dru's name at UND.
External links
- www.finddru.com -information about Dru and her disappearance
- www.drusvoice.com -website about "Dru's Law" legislation