Both Sides Rest In Shannon Kepler Murder Trial

Both sides rested Thursday in the third murder trial of former Tulsa Police officer, Shannon Kepler.

Closing arguments are expected Friday morning.

The state called more witnesses Thursday morning. Kepler is accused of shooting his daughter Lisa's boyfriend Jeremey Lake in August of 2014.

The state's Medical Examiner was the last witness for the prosecution.

On the stand, the ME said she went to the scene the night Jeremey Lake was shot. She testified there was "a lot of blood surrounding the body" and two visible wounds she could see without moving him.

The ME also noted that there was no gun on Lake or anywhere near him.

7/5/2017 Related Story: Victim's Brother Testifies In Shannon Kepler Murder Trial

Kepler took the stand in his own defense late Thursday afternoon, after several other witnesses, including his daughter Danielle.

The first question his attorney asked was, "Why did you leave the scene of the shooting?"

Kepler said, a man had just tried to shoot and kill me, and I'd been forced to defend myself.

He said neighbors were coming outside, and other people in the area were heading his way.

He said he thought he might be out of ammunition, and he wanted to avoid another confrontation where he could get hurt or be forced to hurt somebody else.

Kepler said that night, he got an attorney and then went downtown to turn himself in.

Kepler also talked about his family history, including the tumultuous relationship with his daughter, Lisa.

In all, Kepler was on the stand for about three hours.