Lawrence Watts to claim self-defense in killing

Eufaula, Okla. (AP) -- The brother of a former congressman will claim self-defense in his trial on a manslaughter charge.<br/><br/>Lawrence Watts is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the June 2003

Tuesday, September 14th 2004, 9:21 am

By: News On 6

Eufaula, Okla. (AP) -- The brother of a former congressman will claim self-defense in his trial on a manslaughter charge.

Lawrence Watts is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the June 2003 shooting death of Anthony Greco outside Watts' barbecue restaurant in Eufaula.

Watts' attorney Richard Lerblance says Watts had an "extreme fear" that Greco would hurt him. The attorney also says Greco was under the influence of cocaine when Watts shot him.

Prosecutors say Greco was unarmed and trying to collect $950 Watts owed him for tearing down a house when he was shot.

The case is being tried without a jury before District Judge Steven Taylor.