Billy Forte took the stand in his own defense on Thursday, saying he acted in self-defense when killing his son.
Forte took the witness stand on day four of his murder trial and painted the picture of a father and adoptive son who had grown distant, in part due to the son’s drug dealing and change in personality after serving prison time.
Billy Forte, 71 of Chattanooga, said he had become fearful of his son, Charles Forte, 42, also of Chattanooga, and thought he was reaching for a gun during an encounter on April 2, 2018, that saw the men argue over money and ended with Charles Forte’s death.
The elder Forte is facing a charge of first-degree premeditated murder.
“I have to testify,” Forte said on the stand. “They have made their decision based on half the truth. I have to tell my truth.”