A jury recommended the death penalty for the man convicted of murdering beloved Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal during a 2019 traffic stop.
They deliberated for only 35 minutes after closing arguments were heard on Wednesday.
Verdict is in: Jurors sentence Robert Solis to death.
We are extremely grateful that justice has been served.
Sandeep changed our Sheriff’s Office family for the better, and we continue striving to live up to his example of servant leadership. May he Rest In Peace. #HouNews https://t.co/w2c3q5qpgr
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 26, 2022
The state rested late Tuesday, and Robert Solis, who represented himself in the trial, told Judge Chris Morton, “Your honor, I’m not calling any witnesses, I have nothing more to offer.”
Solis faced either the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
In closing arguments, prosecutors pointed out Solis’ lengthy criminal history.
“He doesn’t care who he hurts, he doesn’t care when he hurts them, just so long as he gets what he wants,” said prosecutor Lauren Bard.
Solis’ last statement to the jury was just two sentences.
“The only thing I have to say is that it’s your decision to make,” he told jurors. “My life is in your hands.”
Jurors found Solis guilty of capital murder after just 35 minutes of deliberation.