Ohio dog park shooting over Trump argument could end with two self-defense claims, or none: legal expert

A shootout sparked by an argument over President Donald Trump at an Ohio dog park could end with a jury finding that both men acted in self-defense, or that neither did, a legal expert told Fox News Digital.

Emmanuel "Mike" Mathews, 81, is charged with felonious assault for shooting David Mattai, 55, on April 21 at Centerville Mills Park in Bainbridge Township, according to authorities.

Mathews has pleaded not guilty.

Case Western Reserve University law professor Michael Benza said that under Ohio law, defendants lose the right to claim self-defense if they helped ignite the confrontation that led to the shooting.

VIDEO SHOWS MOMENTS BEFORE ARMY VETERAN WAS FATALLY SHOT IN WALMART PARKING LOT DISPUTE Since both men allegedly took part in the escalation, he said, the case presents a unique legal puzzle.

"They could both be found at fault, which means neither of them would get self-defense," Benza told Fox News Digital.

Since self-defense relies heavily on subjective fear and perceived danger, Benza said, "It's also possible both get self-defense." Mathews' attorney, Ian Friedman, said the encounter began as a verbal argument, which turned physical in the park before ending in gunfire in the park’s parking lot.

"Mr.

Mathews was attempting to leave," Friedman told Fox News Digital.

"He was attempting to keep himself safe." Friedman said it started when Mattai, who overheard Mathews talking to an eyewitness about Trump, disagreed with Mathews' view that Trump is one of the country's greatest presidents.

Bainbridge Township Patrolman Friedrich Kaufmann testified at Mathews’ May 5 preliminary hearing at Chardon Municipal Court that following that initial verbal altercation, Mattai drove away, then returned to the park about five minutes later.

FLORIDA MEN WIELDING HATCHET AND MACHETE CLASH IN PUBLIX PARKING LOT, POLICE SAY Mathews was still sitting at a picnic table with his dog when Mattai returned.

Mathews gathered his belongings and began walking toward his vehicle, but after crossing to the other side of a park fence, an exchange of insults between the pair caused a physical confrontation.

GUN-WIELDING COUPLE IN VIRAL BLM STANDOFF GOT FIREPOWER — AND 'A VOICE' — BACK AFTER LEGAL SAGA Friedman said that Mattai grabbed Mathews by the hair and pulled him into the fence.