>> i didn't know what he had done, and i didn't know what he was going to do to me. >> reporter: it's often considered risky for a murder defendant to take the stand. but shannon crawley insisted on telling her story that she was a victim and not a killer. >> how do you know now that jermeir did it? >> well, for one he's told me since that he did. >> and you're trying to tell the jury that then you had no idea what might have just happened there? >> i didn't see anyone. >> just to hear how she presented the information, her poise and her demeanor and all that kind of stuff, she's a credible witness. i mean, she tells a credible story. >> reporter: and the defense did have those phone conversations shannon recorded in which she insists jermeir threatened her and incriminated himself. >> you know i already got away with murder once. you think i can't do it again? >> i'm sure you can. >> reporter: but shannon's defense attorney ultimately chose not to play them.