The sentencing phase for the man convicted of killing San Benito police lieutenant Milton Resendez continued on Tuesday.

The defense started calling witnesses as they tried to show jurors more about Rogelio Martinez's life before the shooting.

Jurors convicted Martinez of capital murder on Oct. 8, in the murder of Resendez. Resendez was fatally shot during a high-speed chase in Cameron County on Oct. 17, 2023.

The first witness was a court-appointed neuropsychologist who evaluated Martinez in September and reviewed his medical, school, police and CPS records.

During opening arguments on Monday, Oct. 19, the defense asked jurors to consider his upbringing and choose life in prison without parole.

RELATED STORY: Prosecutors rest case in punishment phase for man convicted of killing San Benito officer

The doctor testified that Martinez had a very difficult childhood. He said records showed CPS had been involved with Martinez's family since he was a few months old, with at least 75 instances of involvement and 17 different schools.

He also testified that records showed more than 10 psychiatric diagnoses starting around age 4, including depression, disruptive mood disorder and other behavioral issues.

He said Martinez had been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and had been prescribed psychiatric medication.

The doctor described allegations of neglect and abuse, time with relatives and foster families and instability at home. He testified that the family sometimes struggled to have enough food.

He also focused on brain development and said the frontal lobe keeps developing into a person's 20s. He said it plays a role in decision making, impulse control and thinking through consequences.

The doctor also testified about Martinez's family history of mental health and substance abuse problems. He said Martinez had shown symptoms of mental health problems since childhood.

The court has since broke for lunch.