Jurors deliberating fate of convicted cop killer Rogelio Martinez
Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — Closing arguments were held Thursday during the punishment phase of Rogelio Martinez’s trial.
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.
Prior to closing arguments, jurors heard from two people: Martinez's father and Resendez's widow.
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 Resendez's 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 Child Protective Services got involved in family disputes and that his 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 for several crimes, including sexual assault of a child. e 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.
As his father spoke, Martinez began crying.
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.
In closing arguments, prosecutors asked jurors to sentence Martinez to death. They pointed to his history of violence, including incidents while he's been in jail, and argued he remains a threat.
The defense asked for life without parole, reminding jurors that Martinez was just 18 when the shooting happened and arguing his history of abuse, neglect, and mental health problems should be considered.
Both sides agreed his childhood doesn't excuse the killing, but they disagreed on whether it should spare him from the death penalty.
Jury deliberations continue Friday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF ROGELIO MARTINEZ PUNISHMENT PHASE:
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