Suspect claiming self-defense in Alabama Bar & Lounge deadly shooting

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Mobile man accused of shooting and killing one man and injuring another at Alabama Bar & Lounge is claiming self-defense.

Mathew Sanders, 20, was booked into Metro Jail on Feb. 1 accused of murder and first-degree assault. He is accused of killing 22-year-old Hunter Lins.

Sanders sat in court Tuesday morning while a Mobile police officer took the stand and testified what witnesses told him and what he saw in bar surveillance video.

According to testimony, Lins and Sanders were inside the bar when they got into an argument. Lins then made a move toward Sanders, which sparked a fight.

Sanders, however, was the only person who was asked to leave the bar by a bartender.

Witnesses said Lins went outside to “apologize” to Sanders, but another fight broke out. Lins is accused of throwing a beer bottle at Sanders, jumping on top of him and punching him in the head.

Testimony stated Lins was then pulled off of Sanders.

Sanders is accused of then saying, “I got something for y’all” before pulling out a gun from his car.

Witnesses said they heard a single gunshot. Defense attorney Jeff Deen claimed his client was attacked and was protecting himself.

“I’m sorry he got shot, but he brought it upon himself,” Deen said.

The case was sent to a grand jury for review.