Defendant takes stand in trial over killing of Ahmaud Arbery

By RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — The defendant who fired the shotgun that killed Ahmaud Arbery has taken the stand in his murder trial, saying he wants to give his side of the story. Travis McMichael told Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley on Wednesday that he understands he’s not compelled to testify but said, “I want to explain what happened.” McMichael’s testimony came as defense attorneys opened their case by building on arguments that their clients were lawfully trying to stop burglaries in their neighborhood. Arbery was Black. The three defendants are white.