Carlos Ochoa headed to the Hidalgo County Jail late Monday afternoon after the first day of this sentencing trial.
On Friday Ochoa was found guilty of the murder of his neighbor and friend Albert Trevino.
A lot of testimonies were shared with the court by those who knew the victim, Albert Trevino and the defendant, Carlos Ochoa.
While Ochoa showed little emotion when the jury's verdict was read guilty on Friday, tears came to Carlos Ochoa's eyes when family friend and religious advisor, Ofelia de los Santos testified of Ochoa's search for God as a teen and battle with cancer as a young adult.
"Sometimes we pray for our children and we still can't keep them from falling into the pit... hell," de los Santos said.
Many others who know Ochoa as a youth took the stand to testify, including a high school coach, a priest and a nun.
"To give him a long prison sentence would be to deprive society of someone who can do good for its betterment," Sister Dorothy Carrey said.
Also called to testify was Dr. Richard Morisett, professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology at University of Texas Austin, who testified that Ochoa's actions were influenced by alcohol and anti-depressants.
"My professional opinion was that he was acting out a dream like state," Morisett said. "There is evidence to suggest that. And his violent actions, there is no evidence of formulating an intent."
Physiologist Dr. Arredondo also testified of her evaluation on Ochoa shortly after his arrest.
"I do not believe he had the capability to think logically and have the forethought to plan ahead," Arredondo said.
At the end of the day the district attorney asked the court to increase Ochoa's bond to $1 million and book him in the Hidalgo County Jail after the unusual move by Hidalgo County Auxiliary Court Judge Jaime Garza on Friday to keep him under house arrest after the guilty verdict was read.
The judge agreed but in another unusual move asked the media to refrain from taking photos of officers putting Ochoa in handcuffs, per request of his attorney.
The sentencing hearing will continue Tuesday where the defense will call at least three more witnesses.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT