The Latest: Court resumes for ex-Dallas cop’s sentencing

DALLAS (AP) — The Latest on the trial of a former Dallas police officer convicted of murder in the shooting death of her neighbor inside his apartment (all times local):

9:34 a.m.

Court has resumed in the punishment phase in the trial of a white Dallas police officer who was convicted in the fatal shooting of her black neighbor last year.

Court was back in session Wednesday for the second day in the punishment phase for Amber Guyger. Testimony began Tuesday after she was convicted of murder in the death of Botham Jean. Those testifying included Jean’s friends and family, who explained how his death affected them.

Guyger, who could be sentenced to anywhere from five years to life in prison, said she mistook Jean’s apartment for her own. Her defense attorneys can argue that she deserves a light sentence because she acted out of confusion and fear that she had found an intruder.

Guyger, who was off duty but in uniform at the time of the shooting, was later fired from the force.

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12:25 a.m.

The same jury that convicted a white Dallas police officer in the fatal shooting of her black neighbor will soon return to court to consider her sentence — a penalty that could be anywhere from five years to life in prison.

Amber Guyger said she mistook the man’s apartment for her own. She was convicted of murder Tuesday. Her defense attorneys can argue that she deserves a light sentence because she acted out of confusion and fear that she had found an intruder.

Prosecutors have given no indication what sentence they will seek.

It was unclear how long the punishment phase of the trial would last. Testimony began shortly after the verdict, starting with friends and family of the victim, Botham Jean.