Man Charged With Murder In Deadly Tulsa Crash Takes Stand

A man on trial for leading police on a chase that ended in a deadly crash took the stand in his own defense Thursday.

Jerry Newman faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

Newman was calm and collected on the stand, answering questions with “yes ma'am, no sir.”

Newman told the jury he's been a drug addict from a very young age. He said just two days before the incident, his ex-girlfriend passed away and he went on a bender, taking 30 Klonopin, six Xanax and seven grams of meth.

08/29/2018 Related Story: Trial Begins For Tulsa Man Charged With Murder After Chase Ends With Deadly Crash

Newman said he was blacked out for most of the incident and wasn't in his right mind. He told jurors he never meant to hurt anyone and said it "eats him up" knowing he killed an innocent man.

Jurors also heard a phone call Newman made to his dad from jail. During the call, Newman said he "didn't mean to kill that dude," and told his dad he loved him.

Newman is on trial for murder after officers said he stole a utility truck and led police on an extensive chase.

Officers testified Newman eventually got onto Highway 75, going the wrong way, and hit 23-year-old William Bruckman's car head-on, killing him.

Newman has pleaded not guilty.

The jury is expected to get the case Friday.