WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Scripps News West Palm Beach) — Former Florida State University football star Travis Rudolph testified Monday afternoon. He was the final witness called to the stand.
Travis Rudolph testifies in court during his murder trial. (Court TV)
Rudolph, 27, is accused of fatally shooting a man in Lake Park in April 2021.
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The former Florida State wide receiver has been out of jail on house arrest since last year after he unsuccessfully sought a “stand your ground” defense in his first-degree murder trial.
From the beginning, defense attorney Marc Schiner has argued this is a case of self-defense. Rudolph testified that he did what he had to do to protect himself and his brother.
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“There were firearms pointed at us,” Rudolph said. “I had to protect me and my brother’s life.”
Following Rudolph’s testimony, the judge denied renewed motions to dismiss the case due to stand your ground.
The jury will hear closing arguments on Tuesday.
This story was originally published on June 5, 2023, by WPTV in West Palm Beach, an E.W. Scripps Company.
