NASH COUNTY, N.C. — Jury deliberations began Monday afternoon for a man accused of kidnapping, rape and murder.

Prosecutors say Andre Edwards abducted Ginger Hayes and her baby from a Greenville parking lot in June 30, 2001. They say he then raped Hayes and beat her to death with a 30-pound tire rim in a remote field.

Hayes' baby survived the incident despite having second-degree burns on his head and back while he was left in the field.

Defense attorneys argue Edwards was guilty of second-degree murder and should not face the death penalty because he was an abused child who suffers from severe mental disorders.

Jeremy Hayes, who was accompanied by relatives in court, put his head in his hands during parts of the closing arguments that dealt with how his wife died. An Air Force staff sergeant, Hayes is stationed at Pope Air Force Base and remarried about six months ago. He had been married just over a year when Ginger Hayes was killed.

Outside the courthouse, Hayes said he didn't believe Edwards' childhood excused killing. He said he is dreading having to explain to his son what happened.

"He's had some nightmares and he tells you what he sees," Hayes said. "You know what he's telling you. I dread the day I have to explain those dreams."

Jurors will resume their deliberations on Tuesday.