Sentencing phase of Scott Nelson trial to continue on Thursday

Nelson convicted of murder in slaying of Jennifer Fulford

ORLANDO, Fla. – The sentencing phase of the Scott Nelson trial will continue on Thursday.

The judge returned to the courtroom at 8:50 p.m. and read a letter from the jury, saying they wanted to go home because they were tired. 

They will be back at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Nelson was recently convicted of murder in the death of Winter Park caretaker Jennifer Fulford.

He was convicted June 28, and he could face the death penalty.

Doctors testifed Tuesday in the case, with one saying there was "no evidence that Nelson suffers from bipolar disorder."

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."