Deliberations in IHOP attack on Marines expected Thursday

A jury will begin deliberations Thursday in the trial of a Palm Springs man accused of seriously injuring two Marines during a fight at an IHOP restaurant.

30-year old Brandon Fenton faces several felony charges including two counts of attempted murder.

Police say Fenton and two friends got into a fight with five Marines back in 2011.

Fenton is accused of throwing a large rock at one Marine, fracturing his face.

During closing arguments Tuesday, Fenton’s attorney said he acted in self-defense after he was targeted with racial slurs.

Witnesses say one of Fenton’s friends, Harrison Hall, pulled out a gun and fired two shots, wounding one Marine.

One Marine was wounded in the foot and witnesses say Hall stood over that service member and fired at least one more shot that left a large grazing wound on the back of his head.

Prosecutors argue Fenton’s aggressive behavior also make him culpable for the shooting.

Hall, who’s accused in the shooting, jumped bail back in 2013 and remains a fugitive.