FLORENCE — A man on trial for murder is expected to testify for the defense today, officials said.

Shawn Alfred Johnson, 42, Florence, is expected to be one of the first witnesses called this morning as his trial continues.

Johnson is charged with murder in the July 2000 beating death of Keith Barnett.

Barnett, 22, was found beaten and unconscious on Alabama 17 in Lauderdale County on July 29, 2000, and died Sept. 21, 2000.

Johnson and his brother, Shannon Johnson, 43, are accused of beating Barnett outside Little Sands bar, in Wayne County, Tenn., and dumping his body on Alabama 17.

Shannon Johnson had agreed to plead to manslaughter and received a 20-year sentence in exchange for his testimony, but when he testified Wednesday, he said he changed his mind.

Circuit Judge Gil Self is hearing the case.