On Thursday, the jury was presented with a police statement taken shortly after Mr. Scopelitis’s death, in which Rogers claimed ignorance regarding any severe assault or murder occurring at his apartment complex.
The courtroom also viewed a video from an interview conducted a day after Rogers was charged with murder. In the footage, Rogers, visibly agitated and occasionally using profanity, defended his actions to the police.
Rogers asserted, “It wasn’t murder. He attacked me with a large knife, and I was merely defending myself.” He further argued, “That’s not how this country should operate. If someone comes at you with a knife, you should be justified in claiming self-defense.”
According to Rogers, Mr. Scopelitis had traveled nearly 50 kilometers from Noosa, allegedly to provoke an altercation. Rogers claimed Mr. Scopelitis arrived armed with either a large knife or a small machete, accompanied by another individual.
“I’m the victim here,” Rogers contended. “They tried to break into my home wielding a machete.”
“I’m the innocent party. They came and tried to get into my house with a f***ing machete,” Rogers said.
“I’m getting charged with murder. It’s not right, mate. Now I’m going to jail for life.”
Rogers had woken about 11.30pm and heard Mr Scopelitis banging on the front door of his unit demanding repayment of a $500 debt.
Mr Scopelitis died from losing two litres of blood after being stabbed and slashed in the chest with his own knife that he had brandished in front of Rogers.
During the video shown to the jury, Rogers told police he knocked the knife out of Mr Scopelitis’s hand, and punched and kicked him once or twice while he was lying on the ground.
Rogers said he picked up the knife and “grazed” Mr Scopelitis on he shoulder.
“He kept coming at me. That’s when I stabbed him,” Rogers told police.
Detectives asked Rogers if he had the chance to run away or call for help before Mr Scopelitis was stabbed.
“I don’t know. I wasn’t thinking, mate. Have you ever had someone have a go at you with a machete?” Rogers said.
The jury also heard Mr Scopelitis had methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, anti-psychotic medication, cannabis and alcohol in his system, according to an autopsy.
The trial is due to resume next week and run for another three days before Justice Declan Kelly.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
