A former Cherry Point Marine on trial for murder took the stand in his own defense Monday.

Gary Hayes is accused of killing Odell Foster of Harlowe in April of 2008 outside the Bayside Restaurant in Havelock.

Hayes spent the afternoon telling a jury about his time in the military, his drinking problem, and the night of the murder.

Hayes also talked about a disagreement that several Harlowe men, including Foster, had with him.

Hayes says he moved away from the area to avoid trouble.

He talked about the night of the murder, and says he saw Odell Foster pull up his shirt and reveal a gun.

If convicted, Hayes could spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.

The trial is expected to wrap up by mid-week.