The man facing second-degree murder charges in the theater shooting case has taken the stand in his "stand your ground" defense hearing.

  • Curtis Reeves facing 2nd degree murder charges
  • Chad Oulson was shot and killed in theater in January 2014
  • Reeves claiming 'stand-your-ground' defense
  • Previous stories on this case

Curtis Reeves, 74, is facing second-degree murder charges in the Jan. 13, 2014 death of Chad Oulson. His attorneys are hoping to use a stand-your-ground defense, which is the purpose of the ongoing hearing.

Reeves' stand-your-ground defense is key to a trial. If Barthle rules in favor of the stand-your-ground defense during the hearing, he will be immune from prosecution. 

Law enforcement consultant and and former FBI agent Philip Hayden testified Tuesday if the use of force was justified. Hayden, who went to the theater where the shooting happened and later interviewed Reeves, said he believes that Reeves thought he was in danger.

"My opinion is that he believed that there’s going to be imminent harm or danger to him," Hayden said. "Great bodily harm or could be killed, and I believe he honestly believed that."

Hayden said he also believed witness statements were contaminated because some people weren't separated before being interviewed by police after the shooting. 

The argument between Reeves and Oulson, 43, started over Oulson being on his phone during the previews of a movie. The light was apparently bothering Reeves' eyes, according to officials. The argument escalated to Oulson throwing popcorn at Reeves and Reeves pulling out his pistol and shooting the younger man, authorities said. 

The hearing is expected to last about another week.