Accused killer Titus Dansby claims he only shot in self-defense.

Dansby is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the death of 24-year-old Cedric Hall.
At his first court appearance today, lawyers revealed Dansby called 911 himself after shooting Hall. And the defense claims he only shot after he saw Hall reach for a shotgun in his car.

Titus Dansby has a license to carry a firearm. His friends and family say he had it to protect himself, and that he was afraid of Cedric Hall. Dansby claims he'd called police several times in the last week. 

He even met with them Thursday to talk about Hall carrying a gun and that he threatened him. Dansby's friends and family say he had no choice but to shoot. 

Several people who live at the Somerset apartments witnessed the last two shots that took the life of 24-year-old Cedric Hall. But the events that led to the shooting are known first-hand only by the four people involved in the parking lot fight. 

Hall and suspected killer Titus Dansby had a long-standing dispute... No one seems to really know why. 

Prosecutors say Dansby and his brother Simian Dansby approached Hall and his step brother at a gas station and started an argument. That led to a fight at the Somerset parking lot involving the four men. 

While Hall's step-brother held back Titus Dansby, his handgun fell to the ground. And when it looked like Hall was reaching for a shotgun in his car, Titus says he picked up his gun, yelled for Hall to drop it, then shot him. The last two shots came from close range. 

Hall died at the scene, while Titus Dansby called 911 and waited for police. He waived his rights and agreed to talk to them. Meanwhile his brother, Simian, took off and hasn't been heard from since. 

Dansby's friends and family say he's a father and successful musician who had a lot to lose. So he wouldn't have shot if he didn't believe his life was in danger.

Simian Dansby served prison time for grand theft and is wanted for not following his parole. Police have found the car Simian was driving on Saturday, but they're still looking for him. Dansby's own mother told me after court that she hopes Simian comes out of hiding to help clear his brother's name.