MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — A south Alabama evangelist facing life in prison if convicted in the death of his wife, whose body was kept in a freezer in his home, might testify at his own trial.

The defense is expected to begin it’s case on Friday in the trial of 39-year-old Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins’ attorney says it’s possible the former U.S. Army soldier and traveling evangelist could take the stand and tell the jurors his own story.

Hopkins is charged with killing Arletha Hopkins, a 36-year-old mother of eight, in 2004. He also is charged with various sex crimes involving a child.