John Holcomb is standing trial in Spalding County, charged with the July 27 homicide of 50-year-old Bruce Knowles.

Witnesses to the incident told investigators at the time that the dispute began when Holcomb, of 1375 Patton Road, attempted to leave the Moose Lodge while allegedly intoxicated.

The witnesses said Knowles attempted to prevent Holcomb from driving while impaired, at which time Holcomb shot him in the neck.

Knowles was initially transported to the emergency room of Spalding Regional Medical Center, but was later flown to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He died three days later.

Holcomb was arrested at the scene by investigators from the Spaldng County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.

Assistant District Attorney Randall Coggin, who is prosecuting the case against Holcomb, rested his case Tuesday and the defense began the presentation of its evidence.

The trial will resume with defense testimony this morning.

“It’s a situation where no one disputes they were friends, but also, no one disputes that this man killed his friend,” Spalding County District Attorney Scott Ballard said. “This is a good chance for the jury to say what is acceptable behavior in Spalding County.”