( CNN ) -- Convicted serial killer Anthony Sowell walked jurors through his life as he testified Monday in the sentencing phase of his case , apologizing to families of his victims but offering no explanation for his actions . `` I 'm sorry , I know it might not sound like much , but I truly am sorry from the bottom of my heart , '' Sowell told the jury and victims ' relatives gathering in a Cuyahoga County , Ohio , courtroom . Jurors on July 22 convicted Sowell of 11 counts of aggravated murder and more than 70 other charges , including abusing corpses and kidnapping . Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty . If jurors decide to recommend that Sowell die for his crimes , the judge can overrule that recommendation and impose a life sentence . But if jurors decide to spare Sowell 's life , the judge can not impose a death sentence , according to Cuyahoga County court administrator Gregory Popovich . As part of the sentencing phase , and in addition to testimony from prosecution and defense witnesses , Sowell was able to make a statement on his own behalf without being under oath or facing cross-examination from prosecutors , . Visibly agitated and occasionally tearful during his remarks Monday , Sowell maintained a candid banter with members of his defense team as he recounted claims of childhood abuse -- both physical and sexual . Sowell said his childhood `` was like a war , '' with his mother and grandmother constantly arguing , yelling and `` whopping '' the children . He said the lack of nurturing in his home made him unable to stand physical contact or any signs of affection . Sowell said he sought an escape and joined the Marines . He said he married and the couple had a daughter , but that his wife `` was touchy-feely '' and he never got used to the physical contact . Eventually their relationship dissolved and in 1985 , Sowell began a 15-year sentence for attempted rape . After his release from jail , Sowell said , his health began to fail . Sowell said in 2007 , he suffered a major heart attack and began hearing voices . He did not elaborate on the crimes for which he was convicted . `` I do n't know what happened , it 's not typical of me , '' Sowell said . `` I ca n't explain it and I know it 's not a lot , but it 's all I can give . '' Sowell 's convictions ended a saga that began in October 2009 with the discovery of the first two victims ' remains inside Sowell 's home . He eventually was accused of killing at least 11 women ranging in age from 25 to 52 .
An Ohio jury is hearing testimony before recommending a sentence for Anthony Sowell . The convicted serial killer could face the death penalty or life in prison . He was convicted last month on 11 counts of aggravated murder and more than 70 other charges . `` I ca n't explain it and I know it 's not a lot , but it's just something that happened to me'said Sowell, who has been serving his time at the state penitentiary since he was 17 years old.