Indiana Man to Use Self-defense in Killing, Kidnapping Trial

Fled to Hermantown

A central Indiana man accused of killing another man and forcing his estranged wife and three children to flee with him to Minnesota plans to argue self-defense in his upcoming trial.

The Herald Bulletin reports 25-year-old Mark Emerson filed notice in a Madison County court of his intent to raise a self-defense argument in his February trial.

He’s charged with murder in the stabbing death of 25-year-old Cody J. Gay.

Emerson’s attorney, Thomas G. Godfrey, declined Thursday to elaborate on the events his client believes demonstrate Gay’s death was in self-defense.

Emerson pleaded not guilty in July to murder, kidnapping and other charges.

Hermantown, Minnesota, police arrested Emerson in June outside a store.

Authorities believe he was trying to flee to Canada with his wife and children.