Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — Defense attorneys on Thursday finished presenting their case in the punishment phase of Rogelio Martinez’s trial after calling Martinez’s father to testify.

Jurors are deciding whether Martinez should get the death penalty or life in prison without parole after finding him guilty earlier this month of killing San Benito Police Lt. Milton Resendez in 2023.

Prosecutors rested their case on Monday. Closing arguments are currently underway.

Melissa Resendez, Milton’s widow, told jurors she and her husband married in 1996 and that he moved up from patrol officer to lieutenant with San Benito police. She said they had no children, lived with eight rescue dogs, and made plans to get dinner the next day before he left for work on Oct. 17, 2023.

That’s the day Resendez was killed during a high-speed chase in Cameron County.

She said a lieutenant called that night and told her Milton had been in a wreck. Melissa said she was the last to leave the hospital and now lives alone with his belongings still in the house.

Martinez’s father, Rogelio Martinez Sr., told the court about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. He said police and CPS got involved in family disputes and that their two children later went to live with their mother in Matamoros. He said he left the children with his ex, Cecilia, not knowing she would abuse them.

Martinez Sr. said he has been in prison since November 2014 and had previous arrests for drinking and fighting with police. He said his son saw those arrests when he was about 12 and that he has not seen or spoken to him in 12 years, even though both are now at the same jail.

He told jurors he felt bad for not being there for his son and said things would have been different if he had been in his life in October 2023. Martinez Sr. apologized to his son and asked jurors to have compassion and forgive him.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor questioned Martinez Sr. about his own crimes and decisions as a parent. He agreed he was responsible for his actions and said he had no words when asked why jurors should believe him.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF ROGELIO MARTINEZ PUNISHMENT PHASE:

• Cameron County DA confronts defense witness as punishment phase continues in Rogelio Martinez trial
• Prosecutors rest case in punishment phase for man convicted of killing San Benito officer
• Jurors hear about neglect and childhood trauma in Rogelio Martinez death penalty trial