JACKSON, MI — Joseph Gabriel O’Rourke claims he acted in self defense when he shot Emarion Flowers to death in an apartment complex’s parking lot.

His attorney, Lucas Dillion, said Flowers had a gun and a violent past. Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Hull said O’Rourke intentionally slayed Flowers to end a “beef” between the two.

O’Rourke, 22, appeared for a preliminary examination hearing Friday, June 6, before Jackson County District Judge Allison Bates. He is charged with open murder.

Police and a medical examiner testified, presenting evidence of what happened on the afternoon of May 16 before the judge adjourned the hearing due to a missing witness for the defense.

The hearing is scheduled to continue June 12.

Flowers, 22, was found with gunshot wounds about 3:30 p.m.

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