Retired FBI agent Thomas Michael Martens wept in the stand as he said he repeatedly struck his Irish son-in-law with a metal baseball bat over the head.
Mr Martens said he feared for his life and the life of his daughter Molly Martens Corbett.
Both deny the second degree murder of Limerick man Jason Corbett in North Carolina two years ago.
Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent Ralph Riegel is covering the case at Davidson County Superior Court.
He says Mr. Martens – who was giving evidence for the first time – said he hit Mr. Corbett until he thought he couldn’t kill him or his daughter Molly.
