WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, SportsMan says deadly shooting was self-defense

Man says deadly shooting was self-defense

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Ernest Beraud (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office) Ernest Beraud (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office)
LIVINGSTON, LA (WAFB) -

The manslaughter trial began Wednesday for a man who says it was a case of self-defense.

Ernest Beraud, 54, of Albany is accused of shooting and killing Leonard Johnson, 50, of Holden on March 23, 2011.

The shooting happened in Beraud's front yard around 11:45 p.m.

Beraud claims he saw something "shiny" in Johnson's hand, feared for his life and shot him with a shotgun.

He told deputies with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office the shooting happened after the two had an argument.

Deputies reported Johnson's body was found lying near the driver's side of an SUV parked about 25 yards in front of Beraud's home.

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