Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Parker Slaybaugh
Lynchburg, VA - It was an emotional day in the courtroom Wednesday as 22-year-old Gregory Kittrell, facing murder charges, took the stand to fight for his freedom.
Family and friends on both sides of the case say they are ready for some closure and justice.
Kittrell is charged with killing Brian Patterson at Lynchburg's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in February 2011.
It was after dinner time Wednesday when the judge announced they will continue the case until Thursday morning. But before that, family and friends waited on the courthouse steps.
We learned an interesting piece of information Wednesday that's sort of unusual for a murder case: Friends say since the shooting one year ago, the two families have reconciled to a certain extent, as best they could. Still, most want closure in this case.
"I'll be glad when this day is over with. To put this behind us so we can move forward - and never forget it," said Doris McDaniel, Patterson's aunt.
Wednesday, Defendant Gregory Kittrell took the stand. He says last February the fight began once Patterson bumped into him. Kittrell says words were thrown, a fight started, and a group of at least four other people allegedly began hitting him in his ribs and face. Kittrell says he broke free, then used his 9mm to shoot Patterson. It was hard for friends to hear the courtroom details.
"Sad and emotional because they really go through every little detail. Before I only knew how many times he got shot; I didn't know where and how," said Brittany Ferguson, friend to both Patterson and Kittrell.
Kittrell made a point to say Wednesday that he regretted what happened. The case picks up again Thursday morning.
