Jurors heard emotional testimony in the punishment phase of Rogelio Martinez’s trial as the defense began calling witnesses.

A jury found Martinez guilty in the 2023 shooting death of San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez. Jurors must now decide whether to recommend the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

Prosecutors rested their case on Monday.

Martinez’s aunt, Maria Granados, described a childhood marked by neglect, frequent moves, and allegations of abuse in different homes. She told jurors she took Martinez in more than once when he was little and he appeared emotional as she testified.

Granados said Martinez was malnourished as a baby and that he and his sister moved between homes several times. She also described times when the family struggled to have enough food.

During cross-examination, Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz repeatedly asked Granados to identify the person who killed Resendez. She refused, saying she was not there when it happened.

‘Justice was served’: Reactions to capital murder conviction of Rogelio Martinez

Court-appointed neuropsychologist Dr. Antolin Llorente told jurors Martinez had a difficult childhood after reviewing medical, school, police, and CPS records. He said CPS had been involved with the family since Martinez was a few months old and that Martinez attended 17 different schools.

Llorente said records showed more than 10 psychiatric diagnoses beginning around age 4. He said Martinez had a history of suicidal thoughts, psychiatric medication and instability at home.

He also testified that the frontal lobe keeps developing into a person’s 20s and affects decision-making, impulse control, and thinking through consequences. Llorente noted Martinez was 18 at the time of the shooting.

Under questioning from prosecutors, he said nothing showed Martinez experienced a psychotic episode or that he was legally insane when he shot at police.

Besteiro Elementary School Assistant Principal Nadia Villarreal told jurors Martinez was her student when he was in the 6th and 7th grades. She said Martinez sometimes questioned why he should care about school when he felt his mother did not care about him. Former Detention Officer Julio Trujillo said Martinez responded to respect, needed guidance, and needed more structure at home.

Former Cameron County jailer Christian Saenz also testified that Martinez was initially rowdy but respectful. He said Martinez became compliant and regretted his actions.

The defense asked jurors to consider what Martinez went through before he turned 18. Prosecutors focused on the choices he made and the officer who lost his life.

Testimony continues Wednesday.

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