Blog: Day 1 Of Sentencing Phase Wraps Up

CLEVELAND -- NewsChannel5 reporter Bob Jones is covering the trial of Cleveland firefighter Terrance Hough who was found guilty of shooting three people on Sky Lane Drive on July 4, 2007. Read his blog here:

4:14 p.m.

Day one of the sentencing phase for Terrance Hough has ended for the day. Testimony will resume on Wednesday morning.

2:45 p.m.

Terrandce Hough's estranged wife, Regina, is on the stand.

Regina said she married Terry in 2000.

She said her family was normal and that their children were Terry's main priority.

Regina said Terry talked about the stress of being a firefighter and the lack of sleep.

Regina said Terry was injured on the job when both of his hands were burned.

To help deal with stress, Regina said Terry started working out and taking a lof of supplements.

The defense attorney held up bottles of amino acids that Terry took.

The prosecutor asked Regina, "Are you suggesting the supplements made him crazy?"

Regina said, "I didn't bring them (the supplements) up."

2:24 p.m.

Terrance Hough Sr. said he went to visit his son in jail, but never asked him about the shootings.

In fact, he testified he has never talked with son about the murders.

2:04 p.m.

Judy Hough, the mother of Terrance Hough, took the stand just before 2 p.m.

She cried throughout her testimony.

Judy said Terrance went to St. Edwards High School where he played football.

Judy said Terrance also went on retreats.

Judy testified that her son, Michael, died in 1992.

Judy said Terrance was devastated and was never the same after his brother died.

Judy said Terrance idolized his children and was an excellent father.

Judy said it was Terry's dream to become a firefighter.

Judy said Terrance heard a lot of fighting and screaming growing up because his father is an alcoholic.

Judy testified that her ex-husband severely beat Terrance one night.

Judy sobbed as she begged the jury to not impose the death penalty.

1:52 p.m.

Defense attorney Jack Hildebrand is giving his opening statement.

Hildebrand says the jury must consider Hough's entire life and not just the moments where "he committed these terrible crimes."

Hildebrand says there there will be testimony about Hough's life as a firefighter and how he helped save other people.

Hildebrand asked the jury to be merciful.

And, he said "all it takes is one juror" to stop the death penalty.

1:45 p.m.

Prosecutor John Kosko is giving his opening statement.

He's explaning the aggravating circumstances in the case.

The aggravating circumstances must outweigh the mitigating factors beyond a reasonable doubt in order for the jury to impose the death penalty.

Kosko says the mass murders and the attempted murders are aggravating circumstances.

Kosko said killing more than one person is an aggravating circumstance.

Kosko told the jury "it's their duty" to impose the death penalty three times.