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Paralyzed Shooting Victim Testifies in Court Against Suspect

The paralyzed victim of a club shooting testified in court on Thursday. He's one of two people who prosecutors said were shot by a club security guard.

The security guard is claiming self-defense and is acting as his own lawyer.

Now paralyzed after that violent night, Michael Smathers is a witness for the prosecution, and took the stand. He broke down as he recalled the night he and his friend, 29-year-old Kijuan Byrd, came under fire.

Byrd died from his injuries.

When asked in court what he said when the suspect, Lukace Kendle, pulled out a gun, Smathers said, "Don't shoot, my hands are up."

But Kendle, who has been charged with murder and attempted murder, claims he fired in self-defense.

It was back in June of 2012, when shots rang out in the parking lot of Club Lexx, a popular strip club on Northwest 27th Avenue.

Kendle reportedly stated he saw the men inside a vehicle rolling a joint, and heard one of them saying they were going to kill someone.

But according to Smathers that never happened, "We never made it out the car."

The family and loved ones of Byrd and Smathers watched the testimony unfold on Thursday, at times wiping away tears.

Meanwhile, after the state rested, the presiding judge gave Kendle another chance to state his case or receive representation, both of which he declined.

The jury was deliberating on Thursday evening. If they find Kendle guilty on all charges, he could face between 15 years and life in prison.

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