It took jurors in Texas just 25 minutes on Monday to convict Robert Solis in the murder of Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal.
Now the penalty phase of the trial is underway to determine if Solis should get the death penalty, reports ABC13. Solis says the answer is yes.
“Since you believe I’m guilty of capital murder, I believe you should give me the death penalty,” Solis told the jury.
According to KPRC, the defendant had earlier maintained his innocence during the trial despite dash cam video which showed him jumping out of his car three years ago during a traffic stop, pointing his gun at Dhaliwal and shooting him point blank in the head.
The video brought tears to the eyes of the jurors.
“I believe I will be able to show that I had no intention of killing this man,” KPRC reported Solis told the jury after that video was shown.
As CNN reports, Dhaliwal leaves a lasting legacy. After his death, the Houston Police Department allowed officers to wear articles of faith while on duty. Other departments would soon follow.
When Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston in 2017, he organized a relief drive from California that generated enough donations to require an 18-wheeler to deliver them. He also organized a similar drive for victims of Hurrican Maria in Puerto Rico.
“He wanted to show that a Sikh person with a turban is a symbol of someone who’s there to provide service, to provide help whenever you need it,” childhood friend BJ Josan said after the deputy’s death.
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