RALEIGH ­­­­­­­­­­– ­­The Raleigh homeowner charged with killing a partygoer in August 2016 took the stand in his own defense Tuesday.      

Forty-year-old Chad Copley admitted to shooting 20-year-old Kouren Thomas that night but says it was in self-defense.

During tearful testimony, Copley went moment-by-moment through the night leading up to the fatal shooting on Singleleaf Lane.

Copley said he thought his teenage son was outside causing a raucous with friends he didn't recognize.

He yelled out to them from his bedroom window and exchanged profanities. That's when he said he called 911.

Copley says he was referring to his son when he used the term “hoodlums” on the 911 call.

However, when he realized it wasn't his son outside, Copley said he quickly grew scared and acted in self-defense claiming he saw someone reach for a gun.

However, during the cross examination, prosecutors grilled Copley and pointing out the discrepancies between the story Copley shared with the 911 operator and the police that night.

Copley even admitted that he lied to police about firing a warning shot when he actually fired at Thomas.

"I messed up… a warning shot,” said Copley. “I thought that's what I was supposed to do -- fire a warning shot first. I lied to the police; I'll take responsibility for my actions."

Copley also showed remorse for taking Thomas' life – stating that he seemed like a good kid.​

The defense will continue to call additional witnesses to the stand.

The trial is expected to last at least another week.