JEANNETTE, Pa. -- A Jeannette man who's accused of shooting his cousin in the chest after a Thanksgiving gathering at his home is claiming that he killed his relative in self-defense.

Jason Lee Fry, 32, of Manor, Westmoreland County, was shot at the McFarland home on North Second Street in Jeannette on Nov. 27, then taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, police said.

The homicide case against Michael McFarland, 30, was sent to trial after a preliminary hearing Monday. A trial date has not been set.

According to the criminal complaint, witnesses said the two men left the house after dinner to go see an uncle. When they came back, McFarland's wife, Susan -- who was a witness to the shooting -- told police that the men were fighting.

Susan McFarland told police that her husband told her to lock the door and take their children upstairs because he was concerned about things Fry was saying. Susan McFarland also told police that she heard the two men arguing.

"Jason, you are family. Just go home. I don't want anything to happen," Michael McFarland said, according to Susan McFarland.

A moment later, Susan McFarland heard a slamming noise against the garage and a gunshot, and her husband said, "Oh my God, I didn't want to do that, Jason. Susan, call 911."

When the woman called for help, she said, "They are both drunk and my husband shot him."

Michael McFarland told police, "I can't believe this happened, he just kept hitting me in the face, I didn't know what else to do."

McFarland is claiming he acted in self-defense. His wife's 911 call from the night of the shooting was introduced as evidence at Monday's hearing.

Police said they believe alcohol played a role in the case. According to witnesses, Fry told the family he had been on a two-day drinking binge that got him kicked out of his parents' house.

Michael McFarland is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison without bond.

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