The murder trial of a Perry County man entered its third day Wednesday, as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to present evidence in a 2024 shooting that left a local man dead. Brian Neal Odom is charged with murder in the death of John Odom, 33, who was shot on Ellis-Odom near Richton. The two men, according to testimony, were related. The trial began Monday with jury selection, resulting in a panel of 14 jurors under the supervision of Circuit Court Judge Wes Curry. During Wednesday's proceedings, the court heard from multiple witnesses, including the state medical examiner, Staci Turner, who detailed the fatal injuries. Turner testified that John Odom was struck by a single bullet to the chest and another to the back. The nature of the wounds has become a focal point as the defense argues that Brian Odom acted in self-defense during the confrontation. Law enforcement officers who responded to the scene collected two firearms: a .22 caliber and a 9 millimeter. However, investigators have not disclosed which gun was used by whom, leaving the jury to weigh the circumstantial evidence. The victim's widow took the stand Wednesday, offering an emotional account of the events. She recalled receiving a phone call from her husband shortly after he was shot, describing his voice as strained and panicked. She also testified that the two men had a history of altercations stretching back years, though she did not provide specific details about the nature of their disputes. The defense has seized on this history to bolster the self-defense claim, suggesting that Brian Odom feared for his life. The prosecution, meanwhile, has emphasized the severity of the injuries and the fact that the victim was shot multiple times, arguing that the use of deadly force was excessive. The trial is expected to continue Thursday morning with additional witness testimony. According to the court administrator, the case is likely to go to the jury by the end of the week. As the proceedings unfold, the community in Perry County watches closely, with the outcome hinging on how the jury interprets the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting. The courtroom atmosphere has been tense, with family members of both the victim and the defendant present throughout the trial. The case has drawn attention not only for the tragic loss of life but also for the complexities surrounding the self-defense argument. The trial is being covered by WDAM 7, which has been providing updates as testimony unfolds. As the legal process continues, the key question remains: did Brian Odom act in reasonable self-defense, or did he cross the line into criminal violence? The jury will have the final say.