Deliberations began at 10:08 a.m. today after defense lawyer Peter Jones, one of Wesson's lawyers, gave a sobering speech about human frailty, Wesson's mental state and forgiveness.
During Jones' argument, only Wesson shed tears.
Jones agreed that Wesson's preaching of a murder-suicide plan to his family and his deviant behavior should be not be minimized. "He talked the talk," Jones said of his client.
Jurors, however, should consider a life sentence for Wesson because he has a minor criminal record -- only a 1990 conviction for welfare fraud and perjury.
Wesson also stabbed and wounded his niece, Sofina Solorio, but he was never convicted of the offense, Jones said.
Though there is ample evidence to suggest Wesson is insane or crazy -- as his sons testified in the trial -- Jones said Wesson or his defense team never used it as an excuse or justification for the killings.
Jones then spoke of John Newton, a slave-ship captain who allowed abuses among blacks. Jones said Newton later regretted what he had done and penned the words of "Amazing Grace," about God's forgiving nature.
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