Key Week of Testimony in Sandra Layne Murder Trial

Sandra Layne spent the better parts of two days testifying in her own defense in emotional and sometimes gripping fashion this week. Her tearful appearance on the witness stand punctuated a few crucial days of testimony that will likely determine whether the 75-year-old West Bloomfield grandmother is convicted of murdering her grandson, Jonathan Hoffman.

Layne faces counts of open murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony for in the condominium they shared. Patch blogger Ronelle Grier Monday morning.

Read all of Ronelle's Trial Talk blogs from the courtroom on Patch.

Defense attorney Jerome Sabbota has said the killing was self-defense.

Layne remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail, and, if convicted, faces life in prison. Amid tears, she repeated her claim that she felt threatened by Hoffman,who became physical with her shortly before she shot him, according to the Huffington Post.

"When I was in the basement, all I was thinking about was I had to hide. I was terrified," the Huffington Post reported. "Somebody would have done something else but that's what I did."

During cross-examination, however, Layne acknowledged that she didn't tell police Hoffman assaulted her when they arrested her last May.

Jurors also heard from forensic investigators, including blood-spatter experts, Hoffman's probation officer and police.

For More:

• West Bloomfield Grandmother's Husband Takes Stand in Grandson's Murder Trial
• Opening Statements Expected in West Bloomfield Grandmother's Murder Trial
• Grandmother of Slain West Bloomfield Teen Stands Mute
• UPDATE: Grandmother Charged with Murder in Grandson's Shooting