DES MOINES, Iowa — A 19-year-old pled guilty on Thursday to shooting and killing his cousin following an argument over marijuana on Des Moines’ southside in September.

According to Des Moines police, at around 1:40 p.m. on September 1 officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 3400 block of South Union Street. When first responders arrived on scene they discovered 21-year-old Tariq Reynolds suffering from gunshot wounds. Reynolds was transported to local hospital where he later died.

The day after the shooting Des Moines police announced that an arrest had been made in the shooting. Martavius Green, 19, from Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. Green and Reynolds were cousins.

According to the Polk County Attorney’s office, Green was staying at his aunt’s home when the shooting took place. The attorney’s office said an argument broke out between Green and a guest at his aunt’s home over sharing marijuana. The argument escalated and Reynolds’ sibling asked Green to leave.

Shortly after leaving, Green returned to the home. The attorney’s office said tensions escalated again and Green punched Reynolds’ sibling in the face. Reynolds then put Green in a bear hug and they both fell to the ground. The attorney’s office said that’s when Green shot Reynolds twice. Green claimed that Reynolds was choking him and that the shooting was self defense.

Green’s First Degree Murder trial began on Monday, but on Thursday he accepted a plea deal. He pled guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter and First-Degree Burglary.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 18. Green faces a maximum of 35 years in prison. He must serve at least 10 years before he would be eligible for parole.

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