Eli Werdesheim Testifies In His Neighborhood Watch Trial

One of two brothers accused of beating a black teenager while patrolling for a Jewish neighborhood watch has taken the stand in a trial in Baltimore.

Describing his confrontation with the 15-year-old boy, Eli Werdesheim said he acted in self-defense when the teen attacked him with a board. He testified Wednesday that he believed his skills in negotiation and de-escalation from his time in the Israeli military would help him defuse the situation.

Werdesheim and his brother, Avi, are accused of beating the teenager while on a neighborhood watch patrol in the 3200 block of Fallstaff Road on Nov. 19, 2010.

The state rested its case Tuesday and Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Pamela White denied the defense’s request to drop the charges.

{WBAL TV/Matzav.com Newscenter}