Was it premeditated murder or self defense? The case has started against 26-year-old Cliff Leon Rick of Marion who stands accused of murder.

Opening arguments were heard Monday in the case, as Marion County Prosecutor Jim Slagle said Rick was buying drugs from 23-year-old Sidney Bell who then fell asleep in Rick’s living room. It was then, Slagle argued, that Rick shot the Chicagoan twice in the head, and then left his body in the basement for four days.

Defense attorney Javier Armengau countered that assertion with the defense that Bell has threatened Rick who had no choice by to shoot the dealer.

The case will resume Tuesday.