(WHAS11) - Thursday, a murder suspect took the witness stand in his own defense.
William "Jerry" Seidl, who is charged with killing his wife, says he doesn't remember doing it and doesn't know why he did it.
It was the first time Jerry Seidl has spoken publicly since he was arrested for the murder of his wife back in august of 2008.
Seidl testified about how much he loved his wife, Dorene, how the day he killed her unfolded and what he wished would have happened instead.
Seidl says he never stopped loving his wife of 52-years. But when it came to the day of August 25th, 2008, he found it impossible to explain how he shot Dorene multiple times, leaving her to die inside their home.
“I don't know what I was thinking. I went blank. I wish I would figure out why I did it. I swear to God I do not know,” Seidl testified.
Seidl says he doesn't remember pulling the trigger.
Seidl says when he saw her body, “I wanted to just blow my brains out. I don't know why I couldn't do it. I wished I had done it. I can't explain it.”
The swat team surrounded Seidl’s home for 3-and-a half hours, before he surrendered.
Seidl's attorney is trying to paint a picture of his client as a man sick with obsessive compulsive disorder. Witnesses have testified that he hoarded grocery bags and popsicle sticks and that he still had shirts and sweaters dating back 50 years in drawers with the tags on them.
The prosecution portrayed Seidl as manipulator with a history of domestic violence, and killed Dorene because she was leaving him and demanded money.
The prosecution also pointed out the fact that Dorene sought a protective order just days before Seidl killed her.
Dorene had separated from her husband several days before her murder.
She had come to the house to get some of her belongings after moving out several days earlier.
The trial continues Friday morning. The defense plans to put on one more witness before closing arguments.
