The federal court jury that found former Schofield Barracks soldier Naeem J. Williams guilty of capital murder in the child abuse beating death of his 5-year-old daughter Talia started deliberating Thursday afternoon on whether Williams is eligible for the death penalty. 

Last month, the jurors found Williams, 34, guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for killing his daughter Talia on July 16, 2005 through child abuse and for causing her death as part of a practice and pattern of assault and torture. 

If the jurors find that Williams is eligible, they will return to court for the sentencing phase of the trial to determine whether or not he deserves the death penalty.

Williams’ case is the first death penalty case to go to trial in state history.