Oakes admits shooting Stover

Oakes testified in his defense Tuesday, saying he shot Stover while wrestling with him during a confrontation in which Stover pulled a gun on Oakes. He said he decided to get rid of the body rather than go to authorities "because I just didn't think they would believe me at all."

Oakes said that he wrapped Stover's body in plastic with Stover's gun and dumped them in the Swinomish Channel.

Prosecutors have not offered a motive for the killing, but have suggested it had to do with Oakes' relationship with Stover's ex-wife, Linda Opdycke.

Oakes testified that he, too, was shot during the incident with Stover, but his kevlar vest saved him. He said he had purchased several items, including camouflage sweatpants, weights, rope and shin guards before meeting with Stover, something the prosecution contends show the slaying was premeditated.

Oakes said he want to Stover's house because Stover had demanded he come and produce some photographs, which Oakes said he hadn't been able to locate. Oakes said Stover had confronted him several times in the months before the slaying.