WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Marine accused of fatally stabbing another Marine during a fight in Washington told police he was acting in self-defense.
Michael Poth is charged with second degree murder in the death of 23-year-old Philip Bushong on Saturday. Court documents filed Monday say the slaying occurred around 3 a.m. in a neighborhood near the Marine Barracks in Southeast Washington.
The documents say 20-year-old Poth used knife to stab Bushong once in the chest. Bushong, who was based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., died at a hospital.
The court documents say Poth told police he stabbed Bushong because Bushong punched him in the head, and Poth was defending himself. Police detectives, however, did not notice any wounds, and Poth did not request medical treatment.
A preliminary hearing will be May 15.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
