Pryor Man Accused Of Shooting Teen On New Year's Takes Stand

A Pryor man on trial for shooting a 14-year-old boy testified Monday.

Derek Morgan is accused of shooting 14-year-old Cole Peyton on New Year’s Day 2016.

Prosecutors said Peyton and his friends were playing a “neighborhood prank,” but Morgan said he shot him in self-defense because he feared for his life.

Morgan took the stand in his defense and pounded his hands on the witness stand to show the jury how loud the banging on the door.

9/20/2018 Related Story: Trial Continues For Mayes County Man Accused New Year's Day Shooting

Morgan testified he was in the garage after midnight when he heard the loud banging on the door. He said he woke up his dad, telling him someone was trying to break in, before grabbing his gun.

Morgan told the jury he was walking the perimeter of the house when he saw three figures near the back door. He said he yelled, "Hey," and told them to put their hands up, but one of them reached behind his back, so Morgan fired.

Morgan's dad testified Monday too, saying he heard his son yell but said the gunshots started right after that.

Morgan is charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon and faces life in prison if convicted.

The jury will take the case back to deliberate Tuesday.