Orlando \u2013 A jury in Orange County began weighing life-or-death consequences Monday as opening statements got underway in the penalty phase for DeMorris Hunter, a convicted killer facing a possible death sentence in a 2002 homicide.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors and defense attorneys presented sharply different portrayals of Hunter, whose fate now rests with jurors deciding whether he should be sentenced to death or spend the rest of his life in prison.<\/p>\n
The case centers on the killing of Theresa Green, who authorities say was strangled after a small gathering at her home more than two decades ago. Prosecutors allege Hunter then placed her body in the trunk of her car.<\/p>\n
In a forceful opening statement, a prosecutor told jurors, \u201cthat man right there had his hands around her throat and squeezed the life out of her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jurors also heard emotional testimony from Green\u2019s son, who wrote a statement that was read by someone from the state attorney\u2019s office, who described the lasting impact of his mother\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt only 13 years old, I was robbed of my mother\u2019s presence, her support, and her irreplaceable love.\u201d The statement also said, \u201cthe defendant didn\u2019t just take a life \u2014 they took my mother, my children\u2019s grandmother, and 20 years of peace I can never get back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prosecutors called expert witnesses who outlined Hunter\u2019s criminal history, which dates back decades and includes a separate 2005 killing in California for which he has already been sentenced.<\/p>\n
The defense, however, sought to humanize Hunter, calling family members who testified about his character. Several described him as caring and playful, pushing back against the prosecution\u2019s depiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was always playful, playing with me and my sisters, always happy \u2014 never saw any aggressiveness from him,\u201d one relative testified.<\/p>\n
Another family member added, \u201cHe was very funny. He has the kind of laugh that makes you laugh. He always looked out for us and made sure that we were okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proceedings adjourned on Monday with more testimony expected. The judge instructed jurors not to research the case or discuss it with anyone as the trial continues.<\/p>\n
The trial is expected to continue to resume Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
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