BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Testimony began Wednesday in the capital murder trial of a Bay Minette woman charged with firing four shots into the chest area of her ex-boyfriend Aug. 8, 2008, during a quarrel in his vehicle.

District Attorney Hallie Dixon told jurors Sarah Louise Burnette, 44, intended to kill Ronald Austin and did not fire in self defense.

Defense attorney Jim Scroggins argued that Austin was upset that night because of problems with his wife. He had a blood alcohol level of .226.

“This is not a case of who did it,” Scroggins said in opening arguments. “The issue is intent. Was it intentional? Was the gun fired to kill him or get him off of her. These are the issues.”

Dixon said Burnette made a 911 call moments after midnight from her mother’s residence and told a dispatcher she had just shot her ex-boyfriend. Deputies arrived about 10 minutes later and took Burnette into custody.

“She says she and Austin were in a verbal altercation,” Dixon said. “She said he would not let her out of the car. She said she shot him because she was afraid.”

Meanwhile, deputies found the vehicle in the middle of Old Robinson Road. The SUV was in park, the ignition off. Paramedics found Austin’s body in the vehicle. He was shot four times at close range with a .25-caliber pistol, Dixon said.

Dixon said two of the bullets entered Austin’s ` heart and that powder burns were found on his shirt indicating close-range firing.

Austin met Burnette earlier at a nightspot, then she left on foot, according to testimony. Austin picked her up and headed for her residence.

“He passed her road and she said she told him to take her home,” Dixon said. “She said she hit him in the face, and the two started boxing in the car on Pine Grove Road. Then he climbed on top of her and kicks her. But there were no bruises on her face.”

Dixon said an examination of Austin’s body indicated no signs of a struggle.

An examination of Burnette indicated no bruises or scratches, and no torn or stretched clothing.

“There are lots of inconsistencies,” Dixon said.