Jurors have recommended the death penalty for Terrence Barnett, who was found guilty last week of killing a Polk County sheriff's deputy at the South County Jail in 2009.
The recommendation was made by a swing vote of 7 to 5.
It's the first time Barnett showed any emotion during the case, as his own lawyers asked the jury to spare his life.
As Barnett's family members cried, he gestured to them to wipe away the tears and pointed to the sky, saying he'd be OK as his family wept.
The widow of Brown, Albertina Brown, said this closes a six year long chapter in her life.
"I feel a sigh of relief," she said. "I’m just glad that it’s over for my girls especially."
Barnett was already serving a 30-year sentence at the jail for his involvement in the 2007 death of a man in Highlands County.
Prosecutors said Brown got into a struggle with Barnett after the inmate became agitated and broke a sprinkler head in his jail cell. Barnett then shoved Brown backward against a wall, causing him to fall onto his back.
Brown died days later at Winter Haven Hospital after complications from back surgery.
The judge will make a final recommendation at a later date.