A judge sentenced a Dothan man to life in prison for killing his wife last June.

Defendant, Monquaze Trawick, and his mother both took the stand before witnesses Tuesday.

District Attorney Doug Valeska asked both about Trawick's violent relationship with his wife, Shawntella.

During his testimony, Trawick described the moment the shot was fired. “She did not hit the barrel of the gun, but I know it takes the brain to think when you pull the trigger. So, when she hit my hand, the gun went off and I was like 'man, are you alright', but she didn't say nothing so I ran.”

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before deciding on a guilty verdict.