HOUSTON -- Jury deliberations began Wednesday in the trial of a teenage girl accused of stabbing a MS-13 gang member to death, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Ashley Benton, 17, is charged with murder in connection with the death of Gabriel Granillo, 15, during a gang fight at Ervan Chew Park on June 6, 2006.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys were given one hour each to sum up their case before the jury began deliberations at 1:20 p.m.

Defense attorneys contend that Benton acted in self-defense. Benton's attorney repeatedly swung a bat in front of the jury. Even though the bat had Granillo's blood on it, the defense said Granillo tried to use it to bash Benton.

"He showed up with a bat in hand and he showed up in front of Ashley Benton to hurt her or kill her. It didn't matter to him," defense attorney Kent Schaeffer said. "He swung the bat. She felt it go past her face. It's the classic self-defense. I ask you to find her not guilty."

Prosecutors portrayed Benton as a streetwise gang wannabe who embraced violence.

"She said that she did it and that it was intentional. It's murder," prosecutor Matt Peneguy said.

They said that Granillo was not attacking her, but trying to get away when Benton plunged the 5 1/2-inch blade into his chest.

"It really comes down to her own statement," lead prosecutor Mia Magness said. "Five times -- five times she says, 'He was running. He turned to run. He was trying to get away.' At the moment he abandons the encounter, her right to use deadly force terminates. Period."

If convicted of murder, Benton would face probation to life in prison. The jury also has the option to consider a lesser charge.

Benton told the jury on Tuesday that the confrontation between the two gangs began when MS-13 members flashed gang signs at Crazy Crew members in a pharmacy parking lot.

The groups met at the park. Benton said she went along to protect two of her friends.

Benton said that she was not a gang member, but she hung out with the Crazy Crew gang because she was friends with several members.

The MS 13 gang is known for being violent. Benton's defense team said the gang has threatened her life.