Aaron Dean Trial: Jury deliberations over former Fort Worth officer's sentence to continue Tuesday

The jury began deliberating Aaron Dean punishment just after 10 a.m. following closing arguments from the prosecution and defense on Monday morning. In the evening, the jurors requested to stop discussions and go into sequester.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The sentencing phase for former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean, who was found guilty of manslaughter for the 2019 killing of Atatiana Jefferson last week, got back underway Monday.

So far the jury has asked to watch body camera footage from the night of the shooting and review Fort Worth PD's general orders.

The defense wants Dean to get probation, the prosecution called for the maximum of 20 years behind bars.

'The only appropriate verdict is the maximum sentence': Prosecution gives closing argument in Aaron Dean punishment phase

The sentencing phase for former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean, who was found guilty of manslaughter for the 2019 killing of Atatiana Jefferson last week, continued on Monday. Prosecutor Ashlea Deener called for the jury to give Dean the maximum sentence.

"Her life is worth so much more than a probation sentence," said Tarrant County prosecutor Ashlea Deener.

Deener pointed back to the testimony given during the punishment phase, including a psychologist who screened Dean prior to being hired by the Fort Worth Police Department.

Dr. Kyle Clayton determined Dean was ‘clearly not suitable’ to be hired by the department due to his displaying ‘narcissistic’ and grandiose tendencies.

"This is not somebody who thinks he has done anything wrong," Deener said. "The only appropriate verdict is the maximum sentence."

Defense attorney Bob Gil spoke next and attempted to humanize Dean.

Aaron Dean trial: Defense makes the case for probation for former Fort Worth police officer

Defense attorney Bob Gill called for the jury to give Dean probation in the shooting death of Atatiana Jefferson in 2019. The prosecution called for the maximum of 20 years behind bars.

He argued that Dean is being punished for a single incident and that an unjust punishment will not bring Jefferson back to life.

Gill called for the jury to give Dean probation.

"He is probably the person least in need of rehabilitation who has ever sat in the defendant's chair," he said.

Gill also argued that the jury's verdict could have an impact on other police across the region.

"This exact situation is an extremely isolated event," Gil said. "There is nothing to gain by sending this man to the penitentiary. No one can punish this man more than he has punished himself."

Near the end of his remarks, Gill walked over to Dean and spoke to the jury directly.

"This is Aaron Dean. This is the man you will be passing judgment on," Gll said. "He's a very good man who finds himself in a very tough situation."

Aaron Dean trial closing arguments: "Other officers don't act this way"

Prosecutor Dale Smith calls for the jury to give the maximum 20 sentence to Aaron Dean for killing Atatiana Jefferson. Dean was convicted of manslaughter in the 2019 shooting. The defense is asking for the former Fort Worth police officer to get probation.

Prosecutor Dale Smith got the opportunity to close the state's case against Dean.

"The defense attorney told you this was an isolated incident. You know why this is an isolated incident? Because other officers don't act this way," Smith said.

"This wasn't some tragic accident, he is the one that set everything into motion," he said "Atatiana was taking her last breaths on the floor with her nephew, gasping for air, struggling to live, and he stood over him."

Smith argued passionately against the idea of probation.

"She deserved better from that defendant, and she deserves better from you." said Smith. "Give him the maximum. Give him the maximum."

Prosecutors focused on one message: Jefferson’s life is worth more than a probation sentence.

"The only just verdict is 20 years. Anything less is a travesty of justice," Deener said.

"What is Atatiana’s life worth? What are you going to tell her family?" Smith said.

Under the Texas Penal Code, the penalty for manslaughter is between two and 20 years in prison along with a fine of up to $10,000.

If the jury decides to sentence Dean to 10 years or less, they have the option to give Dean probation.

The judge sent the jury back to a hotel just before 6 p.m. on Monday.

Deliberations resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Former Dallas County prosecutor Russell Wilson says that if the jury cannot come to an agreement on a sentence, the judge could order a new jury to be selected to handle sentencing. And while it’s very rare, it is a possibility.

COMPLETE TRIAL COVERAGE:

Atatiana Jefferson Shooting Timeline

The shooting happened on Oct. 12, 2019.

Atatiana Jefferson was babysitting her 8-year-old nephew at her mother's house.

A neighbor made a non-emergency call to police because a door was open with lights on.

Officer Dean arrived, walked into the backyard and saw Jefferson in a window with her gun in her hand. Dean yelled, "put your hands up! Let me see your hands!" before immediately firing a single shot, killing Jefferson.

The shooting led to protests against the Fort Worth Police Department.

If you have issues viewing the timeline click here.

Atatiana Jefferson Crime and Public Safety Fort Worth