At around noontime, the jury found Hardeman guilty in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Demetrius Simpson.

A few hours later the defendant took the stand.

Twenty-two-year-old Anthony Hardeman told jurors he was afraid for his life back in September 2006, because he says there were other men there armed with guns and that's why he shot Simpson.

Meanwhile, outside the courtroom emotions were running high.

"I’m going through the same thing you all are going through so you all can take that on down there."

That's Hardeman's mom telling some of Simpson’s family members she's grieving over a loved one just like they are.

She was not allowed to speak on camera today because she could have to testify.

Some of Simpson’s cousins say they now have some closure.

"I thought I was going to walk next to him on the streets and that's something that I did not want to face and I’m very glad that he has been found guilty and this has been three years and at the time I was carrying my son so basically when I look at my son it takes me back to that,” says Kristy Edwards victim’s cousin.

"When they called and told me it was guilty I was relieved because I was there for my cousin and this was really, really like bothering me the whole three years when is this going to go to trial when are we going to get this over with so we can just get to living,” says Sue Simpson victim’s cousin.

Hardeman also testified he has become a changed man in jail.

He told the jury he turned his life over to the Lord and he reads the bible daily.

Hardeman's testimony will continue tomorrow morning.

The prosecution is expected to cross examine him, and the defense may present another witness.