A Monroe County man found guilty of murdering and dismembering a woman will soon learn his fate.
The same jury that convicted Charles Ray Hicks of murder in the 2008 death of Deanna Null will determine his punishment.
The 40-year-old faces the death penalty or life in prison.
Hicks was found guilty of first degree murder and other charges on Friday, after more than a week of testimony.
On Monday, the jury heard from a new panel of witnesses hoping to save his life.
For the first time since the beginning of the trial, Hicks' family members entered the courtroom.
"I love my family," Hicks told reporters Monday.
His mom and two sisters walked into the courtroom fighting back tears.
They were later called as witnesses.
His mother, Emma Hicks, was the first witness called upon by the defense.
The Texas-native told jurors a death-sentence would pain her to the core.
"Words can't describe how difficult that would be. Almost unimaginable," said Emma Hicks.
Hicks' mother also told jurors her son was a high school athlete and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2004.
His oldest sister, Charlotte, said her son looked up to him.
"I don't want him to see his uncle die." Charlotte Hicks said with teary eyes. "Even though things have happened, I still know he is a good person and a role model for my son."
An ex-fianc? told jurors she only saw Hicks become violent or unruly once.
She claimed he was high at the time, and said she later called off the wedding because of Hicks' drug habit.
Psychiatrist Kenneth Weiss testified Hicks has a history of mental illness. He is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and on at least two occasions tried to commit suicide, he said.
"He had tried to cut his wrists. That's when I knew," said Charlotte Hicks.
Defense attorney Robin Spishock described Hicks as a "model prisoner."
Prosecutors are looking to prove Hicks undoubtedly and intentionally tortured Null.
Null's body parts were found along two highways in Monroe and Lackawanna counties in 2008.
Her severed hands were discovered in Hicks' home in Tobyhanna, according to investigators.
Hicks can only be sentenced to death if the jury's decision is unanimous.
The hearing is scheduled to continue Tuesday morning.
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