2 very different stories as Neal Zumberge trial begins

Testimony is underway in the murder trial of a New Brighton, Minnesota man accused of killing a neighbor in a dispute over deer feeding. Neal Zumberge is charged with first-degree, premeditated murder.

At opening statements Wednesday, jurors heard 2 very different sides to the May, 2014 shooting death of Todd Stevens.  Zumberge’s attorneys argue that he acted in self-defense to protect himself and his wife from a drunken neighbor who might have been armed.

Prosecutors see it differently. They told the jury during opening statements that Zumberge planned the shooting and killed Stevens in cold blood, upset over his habit of feeding deer in the neighborhood.

We learned Neal Zumberge will testify in his own defense during this trial, which is expected to last 2 to 3 weeks in Ramsey County court.