HOUSTON—The mother of the Texas A&M student murdered by her ex-boyfriend broke down during the punishment phase of Timothy Shepherd’s trial.

She told jurors she couldn’t accept that all of her daughter was gone.

On Thursday the jury found Shepherd guilty in the murder of his former girlfriend, Tyneesha Stewart.

But during Friday’s punishment phase, the defense painted a much different picture of the convicted killer.

The defense paraded family and friends to the stand.

Many spoke about what a good father Shepherd is to his daughter, as well as a good friend.

Stewart’s mother sat through all the testimony.

She talked about the first time she met her daughter’s killer.

Shepherd’s Sunday school teacher described him as fun-loving and a good father.

His stepfather, Kenneth Washington, said Shepherd was rebellious as a teen. He also described Tyneesha Stewart  as a “nice young lady” and “very smart girl.”

In all, 19 witnesses took the stand today.

The punishment phase will resume on Monday.

Shepherd faces up to life in prison.