ORLANDO, Fla. – The sentencing phase of Scott Nelson's trial resumed Tuesday, a day after the convicted murderer said he wants to receive the death penalty because he is a "homicidal maniac."
Nelson was convicted on June 28 in the slaying of Winter Park caretaker Jennifer Fulford.
The defense started the day by cross-examining another psychologist who evaluated Nelson.
Dr. Greg Prichard was brought in to testify by state prosecutors Monday and mentioned Nelson's mixed personality disorder.
Prichard and the defense continued to to discuss criteria used in diagnosing personality disorders.
He also told the court that there was "no evidence that Nelson suffers from bipolar disorder and said Nelson's strength are his verbal skills.
"The prison environment didn't create Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson has been Mr. Nelson for a very long time," Prichard said.
The defense on Monday cross-examined Dr. Valerie McClain, a psychologist who went over a checklist of questions she asked Nelson during their sessions earlier this year.
She explained that Nelson developed trauma growing up after he said he was physically abused by his older brothers. She said Nelson went through life-threatening events when he was young.
"I do think his ability to regulate his behavior was definitely impacted," McClain said.
Nelson later took the stand on two different occasions.
"I am a homicidal maniac," Nelson said at one point.
When the state asked Nelson if he wanted to be sentenced to death, he replied, "Yes."
The state rested its case around 11 a.m. Tuesday and the jury was released for lunch. Court is expected to get underway again at 2:30 p.m.