ST. PAUL — The attorney for a Minnesota man accused of killing his neighbor last year says the shooting wasn’t because of a feud over feeding deer as authorities allege.

Fifty-eight-year-old Neal Zumberge is charged with murder in the shooting death of his New Brighton neighbor, 46-year-old Todd Stevens. Authorities say Zumberge shot Stevens because of years-long feud about Stevens feeding deer.

Defense attorney William Orth argued in court Wednesday that the shooting was over a “hillbilly hell” the Zumberge family experienced living across the street from Stevens. Orth said Stevens drank heavily and fought with his father next door and the Zumberge family, adding to Zumberge’s concerns for his family’s safety.

The defense is expected to argue Zumberge acted in self-defense at a trial that’s scheduled next month.