Reginald Potts sentencing hearing ends with emotional testimony

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Another day of emotional testimony just wrapped up in the sentencing hearing for Reginald Potts, 39, who is facing life in prison for killing Nailah Franklin.

The day ended with testimony from Potts's father, who painted a portrait of a kid from a broken home with grew up to be very intelligent, a father of two girls who he loves very much. His testimony is in response to some very dramatic victim impact statements.

Franklin's relatives spoke emotionally about her murder.

"Nightmares still taunt me with her screaming, moaning and reaching out, begging for her life. But none of us were there to save her. None of were there to hear her cries," said Ashlee Allen, Franklin's sister.

There were two deaths, Nailah and her father. He died as a result of this. He stopped eating and his health declined," said Maria Maner, Franklin's mother.

The court also heard from two State's Attorney investigators who detailed a pattern of violence by Potts against women.

Richard Lombard testified that one of Potts's former girlfriends told him Potts choked her during a stay in a New York City hotel.

"He choked her, choked her out, and threw her on the bed. She was able to call hotel security and he fled," said Lombard.

Potts was convicted in Franklin's 2007 murder. The 28-year-old pharmaceutical rep asphyxiated after breaking up with Potts.

Cook County Jail Chief Tarry Williams testified that Potts has committed more than 200 violations while in custody, including setting a fire in his cell and sabotaging plumbing.

He was asked where Potts ranked among worst inmates.

"In my career, he's got to be Top 10," Williams said.

The hearing was delayed because of some questions regarding a cell phone that was found in some documents that Potts gave his attorneys earlier this week. Potts said the phone wasn't his. Closing arguments are scheduled for tomorrow, and Judge Thomas Gainer says he'll sentence Potts on Tuesday.