RALEIGH - Joanna Madonna is accused of killing her husband, 64-year-old Jose Perez, two years ago and then dumping his body near Falls Lake.
Last Thursday, she took the stand herself. During her testimony, Madonna claimed she did kill Perez, but it was in an act of self-defense.
She said when she asked Perez for a divorce that night he pulled out a gun and shot himself twice.
She also claims she tried to take Perez to the Durham VA hospital, where another struggle ensued.
Madonna told jurors Perez pinned her to the ground, and that's when she picked up the knife and started to swing.
"I just kept stabbing him until I felt like I could get up."
Prosecutors also questioned the couple's money woes and relationship problems.
Madonna admitted on the stand the spark wore off early in the relationship but maintained her actions were out of self- defense.
Jurors will return Monday for the closing arguments after having Friday off.