By Ashley Hassett
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-949878.mp3
Buffalo, NY – On day ten of Muzzammil Hassan trial, Hassan ended his testimony in tears. Hassan continue to try to portray himself as a victim of spousal abuse. He recounted how he felt after he murdered his wife Aasiya in 2009.
Hassan testified that it felt like he had escaped from a "terrorist camp". Hassan told the court he felt as though God gave him extra courage as he killed his wife.
Hassan claims he prayed while on his way to the Orchard Park Police station after Aasyia's murder.
Legal advisor Jeremy Schwartz says that Hassan's children will be called as witnesses for the defense. "Mr. Hassan has some important things that he wants to ask them about and he's mindful of doing that in a sensitive manor... And Mr. Hassan is not going to be able to cross examine them, they're going to be his witnesses and he basically is going to be stuck with their answers," said Schwartz.
Schwartz noted that Hassan testified that he felt threatened by Aasiya right before her death.
"Mr. Hassan recounted the events leading up to the death of his wife. It ended with a very emotional piece of testimony from Mr. Hassan about turning himself in to the Orchard Park Police, moments after it happened. About his feelings and frankly quite a bit of it was about his feelings for his children," said Hassan.
The trial was scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Prosecutors are expected to begin cross-examination of Hassan.
You can click on the above audio to hear Schwartz talk with reporters after Tuesday's court session.