The second degree murder trial of a man charged in the stabbing death of a Belleville native began in earnest Tuesday in a Milton courtroom.
Malcolm Copeland, 45, was charged in October of 2014, in the brutal death of 32-year-old Elizabeth Nugent in her Burlington apartment.
He has pleaded not guilty.
There had been a four hour standoff outside the building before police tasered Copeland and gained entry to find Nugent naked and lifeless on a bed.
A box cutter was found in the apartment.
Tuesday, according to InsideHalton.com, Copeland’s lawyer said that his client acted in self-defence.
Evidence presented showed Copeland and Nugent had been living together and that Nugent had intentions of ending the relationship. The pair worked at a pub in Burlington.
The trial continues.