Whether cop killer Christopher Monfort lives or dies is up to the same jury that convicted him of murder. The penalty phase of the trial began Tuesday, June 16.
QUICK FACTS:
- Christopher Monfort found guilty of murdering SPD officer
- Sentencing phase started this week. Monfort could death or life without parole.
- Psychology experts disagreed on Monfort's mental state
- Judge said despite mental illness Monfort could pick between right and wrong
Monfort was found guilty of aggravated first degree murder on June 5, 2015 for killing Seattle Police Officer Timonty Brenton on Halloween 2009.
Monfort stalked two officers, Brenton and Britt Kelly, while they were making a traffic stop on Oct. 31, 2009. Click here for additional details about Brenton's death.
Both sides gave their opening statements on Tuesday. The prosecution gets to call one witnesses to tell the jury the impact of Officer Brenton's murder. The prosecution called Brenton's younger brother, Matt Brenton, Tuesday afternoon.
“Tim made a very pointed effort that he was going to be a different kind of father and his kids would not grow up in the same environment he did,” Matt Brenton told the court, speaking about his brother’s love of being a father.
He said Tim was the smartest person he knew – a guy called Webster in high school – and showed a family picture at Ross Lake. He recalled his brother’s first camping trip with his young son.
“He wanted them to be happy, he wanted them to be well.”
Matt Brenton recalled the night his brother was killed and the public memorial that brought thousands to KeyArena. Brenton carried his brother’s ashes from the memorial that day.
As he spoke in court, Matt Brenton wept.
“My sister has a daughter and he never gets to meet her,” Brenton said. “I miss my friend.”
The defense plans to call more than 40 witnesses as they try to prove to the jury there are mitigating factors that should spare Monfort's life. All twelve jurors must agree for Monfort to be sentenced to death.
If they cannot reach agreement on a sentencing verdict, Monfort will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.