CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Centennial jury hearing the penalty phase of a convicted killer's trial has found that aggravating circumstances exist in the case, and the defendant is eligible for the death penalty.

Sir Mario Owens, already serving a life sentence for the slaying of one person, was convicted last week of slaying a witness to the original murder, Javad Marshall-Fields and Field's fiancee Vivian Wolfe. Marshall-Fields was wounded in the July 4, 2004 shooting at Lowry Park in Aurora. His friend, Gregory Van, was killed.

Jurors deliberated for about one hour Tuesday morning before deciding that Owens' case met all five of the aggravating factors necessary for Owens to be eligible for execution.

Only one of those factors was necessary for a death sentence.

If the jury had not found aggravating factors, Owens would have automatically been sentenced to life in prison.

The verdict clears the way for the next phase of the sentencing hearing, where the defense will argue that his life should be spared and he should be sentenced to prison instead.

The defense was expected to begin presenting its case Wednesday morning.

Mashall-Fields' mother, Rhonda, told 7NEWS that while she was at first reluctant to impose the death penalty, she thinks it is appropriate in this case.

She applauded the jurors for looking closely at the evidence and following the jury instructions.

Fields admitted that the next phase of the trial will be emotionally difficult but said she is prepared, adding, "I've gotten this far."

Owens' defense team is expected to present videotaped testimony from Owens family and friends in his home state of Louisiana.