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Gianquitti Attorneys Say Client Acted in Self-Defense

Chris Boardman

Story Created: Mar 24, 2009 at 2:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 24, 2009 at 2:19 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Attorneys for an ex-Providence policeman say he was afraid for his life when he shot and killed his neighbor in a dispute over a children's ball game in May 2008.

Nicholas Gianquitti (jee-ahn-KWIT'-ee) will argue during his murder trial that he was acting in self-defense after his firefighter neighbor, 44-year-old James Pagano, punched him in the  face.

Attorneys gave opening statements in Providence Superior Court on Tuesday. Prosecutors said children at Pagano's house hit a tennis ball into Gianquitti's car.

Both sides in the case agree that Gianquitti then cursed at the children. When Pagano found out, he went to Gianquitti's house to confront him. Pagano allegedly punched Gianquitti, who pulled a gun from a holster and shot him.

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