A Dallas County jury deliberated just 10 minutes before convicting Robert Sparks of capital murder today.

Mr. Sparks was accused of killing his wife and two stepsons and raping his two stepdaughters.

He admitted to police and reporters that he committed the crimes, but said that his wife had been putting insecticide in his food and that the boys had helped.

Paul Johnson, Mr. Sparks' attorney, told the jury during closing arguments that the case was never about who killed the three people in September 2007. So he expected the jury to find Mr. Sparks guilty. Mr. Johnson planned to make his case during the punishment phase of the trial. Mr. Sparks faces the death penalty or life in prison with no opportunity for parole.

Before today's court session began, Dallas County court officials were notified that Mr. Sparks apparently tried to commit suicide overnight by swallowing 12 Trazodone pills, an antidepressant, while in custody.

He was taken to Baylor Medical Center for treatment. After being returned to a courthouse holding cell, he was examined by a psychologist, who determined Mr. Sparks competent to stand trial.

Mr. Sparks’ action caused a two-hour delay in the start of closing arguments.