Suspect in group home murder takes the stand | News

A teen accused of beating another teen to death at a Butler County group home took the stand on Wednesday in his own defense.

Lance Tiernan, 18, is on trial for the December 2011 murder of Anthony Parker, 16, at One Way Farm.

Prosecutors rested their case on Wednesday morning after presenting a pathologist from the Hamilton County Coroner's Office on brain injuries.

The defense then called four witnesses - a counselor from One Way Farm and three teachers from Mason High School. But the focus of the day was the Tiernan's testimony.

"I didn't expect him to go to the hospital, I didn't expect him to die," said Tiernan. "I thought he was going to be ok." 

Defense attorneys are arguing that Tiernan did not intend to cause harm to Parker, and that he was having a bad day when Parker "set him off" while the pair was arguing over a flashlight.

Closing arguments are expected Thursday,

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