The Murder of Dru Sjodin

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty

In an unprecedented move, the governors of North Dakota and Minnesota pledged during a December 9^th press conference to aid in the search for Dru by employing several hundred members of the National Guard and other state employees. North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven said that Dru's disappearance was "something that has touched every North Dakotan." Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty told reporters that he was "very proud of the cooperation and the collaboration that's been exhibited" by members of the community and police officials.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven

Rodriguez, who was imprisoned in a Grand Forks jail, claimed that he was not involved in Dru's disappearance and refused to speak to law enforcement officials or provide information as to her whereabouts despite the evidence against him. During a brief bond hearing several days earlier, bail for Rodriguez's release was set at a staggering $5 million. However, Grand Forks citizens were so angered about the possibility of his release that Rodriguez decided to remain in custody for fear of his safety. 

Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., 50, listens at his bail hearing on a kidnapping charge in Northeast Central District Court in Grand Forks, N.D., on Dec. 4. Federal prosecutors have taken over the case and Rodriguez will appear today in federal court in Fargo.

In the meantime, the search for Dru continued, spanning a 30-square-mile area of the Grand Forks region and reaching into Minnesota. Those looking for Dru hoped that they would have more success in finding her since the winter snow was just beginning to thaw. After five long months of searching, they were anxious to bring Dru home.