Longview, TX — 5:45  Michael Lekele Morrow was sentenced to ten years probated and a $5,000 fine.

12:15 P.M. UPDATE: A jury found Michael Lekele Morrow guilty of manslaughter this morning. A punishment hearing is underway.

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A Gregg County jury continues deliberations this morning in Michael Lekele Morrow’s homicide trial in 188th District Court.

Morrow is accused of fatally stabbing 41-year-old Bobby Joe Smith Jr. outside Smith’s apartment on West Avalon Street in June 2009. Morrow said he was defending himself as Smith attacked him with an object.

Jurors deliberated more than five hours Thursday before District Judge David Brabham sent them home and instructed them to return today.

If convicted, Morrow could face up to life in prison. Jurors considered a two-count, 12-page charge: Count 1 for murder, if Morrow committed serious bodily injury that was clearly dangerous to human life, and Count 2 for manslaughter, if the jury determined that Morrow recklessly caused Smith’s death, was aware of a justifiable risk to Smith’s life but showed a level of disregard that deviates substantially from the standard of care provided by any normal person.

“I’ll be honest, the people on this side (of the jury box) don’t completely understand it. It is confusing,” Assistant District Attorney Tanya Reed told jurors about the charge against Morrow.

Longview defense attorney Scott Novy asked jurors to remember Morrow’s testimony that the victim fell as Morrow was trying to get up.

“I know something tragic happened. You can look at this evidence and find him not guilty,” he told jurors. “I think under this evidence, he’s not guilty.”