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'I had to protect me and my brother's life:' Travis Rudolph testifies in murder trial

Former Florida State star accused of fatally shooting man in 2021
Travis Rudolph testifies in murder trial June 5 2023
Posted at 1:22 PM, Jun 05, 2023
and last updated 2023-06-06 01:12:15-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former Florida State University football star and former NFL player Travis Rudolph testified Monday afternoon. He was the final witness called to the stand.

Rudolph, 27, is accused of fatally shooting a man in Lake Park in April 2021.

Travis Ruldoph looks at a map of where the shooting took place during cross-examination by Assistant State Attorney Francine Edwards June 5 2023.jpeg
Travis Ruldoph looks at a map of where the shooting took place during cross-examination by Assistant State Attorney Francine Edwards in the murder trial June 5, 2023 at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla.

The former Florida State wide receiver has been out of jail on house arrest since last year after he unsuccessfully sought a "stand your ground" defense in his first-degree murder trial.

The fatal shooting stems from an argument Rudolph had with a woman named Dominique Jones.

WATCH: Travis Rudolph describes his relationship with Dominique Jones during cross-examination

Travis Rudolph describes relationship with Dominique Jones during cross-examination

Rudolph maintained several times during his testimony that Jones was never his girlfriend. However, during cross-examination, Assistant State Attorney Francine Edwards countered that not only was Rudolph in a relationship with Jones, but that he was cheating; texting other women.

Rudolph testified that the night of the shooting, him and Jones got into an argument at his home over a woman named Kyla, whom he was texting. As Jones was going to the car to leave, the argument escalated.

Travis Rudolph in court on second day of murder trial, May 25, 2023

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"Right before she got in the car, I told her Kyla looks better than her and her body looks better than her naturally, and that sent her into a rage," Rudolph said. "She started swinging on me and then she took a bottle and she hit me in the head with it."

Following the altercation, Rudolph testified that Jones said, "I'm going to have my brother and them f--- you up and kill you."

Defense attorney Marc Shiner shows Travis Rudolph photos of him in jail June 5 2023.jpeg
Defense attorney Marc Shiner shows Travis Rudolph photos of him in jail with the injuries he sustained during the fight on the night of the shooting during his trial June 5, 2023, at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla.

Ruldolph said he initially didn't take the threat seriously and said he did not call the police on Jones, because he "loved her" and he thought she was "upset and emotional."

Hours later that night, Rudolph said he heard banging on his front door and "thought in that moment the threats were real" and he "grabbed his firearm" and headed towards the door.

WATCH: Travis Rudolph describes moments leading up to shooting

Travis Rudolph describes moments leading up to shooting

From the beginning, defense attorney Marc Shiner has argued this is a case of self-defense. Rudolph testified that he did what he had to do to protect himself and his brother.

Travis Rudolph sits with defense attorney Marc Shiner during murder trial, June 2, 2023

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"There were firearms pointed at us," Rudolph said. "I had to protect me and my brother's life."

Following Rudolph's testimony, Judge Jeffrey Gillen denied renewed motions to dismiss the case due to stand your ground.

The jury will hear closing arguments Tuesday.