Battaglia's capital murder trial began on April 22, 2002, and was held at the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas.[34] Howard Blackmon was the lead prosecutor; Battaglia was represented by Paul Johnson and Paul Brauchle.[35] Jurors deliberated for 19 minutes before convicting Battaglia of the highest charge, capital murder.[3] During the penalty phase of the trial, Battaglia's lawyers argued that their client should not receive the death penalty because he had bipolar disorder.[36] On April 30, 2002, the same jury sentenced Battaglia to death.[37] After he received his sentence, Battaglia was held at the Polunsky Unit near Livingston.[6] After the sentencing, his ex-wife told him to "burn in hell forever".