ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (WNDU) - The man accused of shooting and killing an Eau Claire firefighter took the stand during his own trial on Tuesday.

According to our reporting partners at The Herald-Palladium , Rigoberto Gomez says he shot Chad Medlin last November in self-defense following an apparent verbal altercation. Gomez ultimately said he felt trapped and believed he had no choice but to fire his gun in the moment.

Gomez was the only witness called by his lawyer after the Berrien assistant prosecutor rested her case Tuesday afternoon.

The jury is expected to make a decision in the case later this week.

If found guilty, Gomez could spend the rest of his life in prison.

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