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Dexter Lewis' Defense Attorneys Indicate A 'Horror Show' Childhood

DENVER (CBS4) - Defense attorneys trying to save the life of Dexter Lewis told the jury in Denver on Monday why he should not face the death penalty.

The jury convicted Lewis, 25, of stabbing five people to death inside Fero's Bar & Grill on Oct. 12, 2012. Now they must decide if he will be sentenced to death or spend the rest of his life in prison.

Dexter Lewis
Dexter Lewis in court (credit: CBS)

Lewis' lawyers Monday morning called the childhood and life of Lewis a "horror show." Over the next week or so different family members will apparently attest to the horror on the stand.

The defense spoke about a history of physical and sexual abuse, drug and alcohol use, and frequent violence within the family; but also as part of gang activity. The defense said it all happened while the defendant was a baby and toddler.

The defense claims that history continued as Lewis aged and became a victim of the abuse himself.

Fero's bar murder victims
(credit: CBS)

While defense lawyers stressed they are not excusing Lewis' crime of killing five people, the type of upbringing he had created trauma and ultimately led to the person he has become.

Lewis' Uncle Ralph testified first about the abuse on Monday. There also mental health experts scheduled to speak later this week.

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