The defense rested its case Thursday after calling Russell and several other witnesses who echoed his plea for mercy and described Smith as a model mother. Defense lawyer David Bruck said the string of witnesses was needed to show the jury that there are victims on both sides of the courtroom. Today, the jury is expected to begin weighing those pleas for mercy against graphic images of the boys' bloated bodies. The jury will first hear closing arguments and Judge William Howard's instructions about the law before deliberating. Prosecutors contend Smith killed her children to remove an obstacle with a wealthy boyfriend.
Defense attorneys say the boys died in a botched suicide attempt.
To sentence Smith to death, all 12 jurors must agree that she deserves to die for drowning her sons on Oct. 25. Otherwise, the sentence is life in prison with her first chance of parole in 30 years. During testimony Thursday, family members all said Smith's mother would be devastated by the execution of her daughter. She was not called as a witness. She would be willing to do anything for Susan.