(January 8, 2007)--The life-or-death penalty decision for a trucker convicted in the nation's deadliest smuggling run is now in the hands of a jury in Houston.

Earlier Monday, a prosecutor showed graphic photos of 19 illegal immigrants who died in the 2003 smuggling run that ended near Victoria.

The photos were displayed in closing arguments for driver Tyrone Williams.

A jury last month convicted Williams on 58 counts of conspiracy, harboring and transporting immigrants.

The prosecutor at first showed a normal photo of each victim, and then displayed a more horrific picture of the person in death.

Relatives of Williams have begged the jury to spare his life.

The defense says Williams never intended for the immigrants to die as they were being hauled in the closed trailer.

Jurors must decide on whether Williams deserves execution or up to life in prison.

More News >>Sports >> Weather >>