The penalty phase is underway after a Caddo Parish jury found Christopher Cope guilty of first degree murder in the killing of a Shreveport Police Sergeant.
Wednesday, the state presented its case, stating that Cope had a good life and that he was not intoxicated when he shot Sgt. Tim Prunty.
It was also noted that Cope had no previous history of psychiatric issues.
Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw Jr. then took the stand.
He talked about working with him.
Chief Shaw said that one of the most difficult things he had to do was give the eulogy at his funeral.
Emotions ran high when Prunty’s brothers and nephew took the stand.
They shared touching stories of what he was like as a person and what he had taught them.
Many are on medication and attend counseling to help them cope with depression and anxiety.
His twin brother Matthew, also works with the Shreveport Police Department.
Matthew did not return to work for 18 months following the death of his brother and that was short-lived. He returned for less than a week before taking additional time off.
His youngest brother, David said that he has been grappling with several issues including feeling afraid and a loss of appetite.
Tuesday, Cope was convicted in the shooting death of Sgt. Prunty outside a southside Shreveport convenience store in October of 2010.
A jury will now decide whether Cope will receive life in prison or the death penalty.
Prosecutors expect the penalty phase to take two or three days.