Murder suspect takes stand in own defense

Paul Gayle charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary

Published On: Mar 20 2013 06:38:37 AM EDT   Updated On: Mar 20 2013 10:23:18 AM EDT
Paul Gayle
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend took the stand in his own defense during his murder trial Tuesday.

Paul Gayle is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and armed burglary.

According to prosecutors, Gayle broke into Joy Stewart's home in Coconut Creek in 2009. He stabbed Stewart and killed Hasting Clarke. Stewart was his ex-girlfriend.

Gayle said he did it in self-defense, and that he was the one who was attacked first.

"He was coming toward me with a knife to stab me, so I turned and took the knife from his hand," said Gayle.

Stewart was able to escape and call police, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors say jealously fueled the killing.

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