PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Makeitho De Monz Herring was killed because he was having sexual relations with straight men and “enjoyed” bragging about it, according to prosecutors.

That is part of the theory expected to be presented in court on Thursday when a murder trial against Brandon Hickman begins. Jury selection started on Wednesday.

Gresham Police first responded to reports of a shooting on September 9, 2013 at the Pine Square Apartments. When they got there, they found Herring — who went by the name “Tito” — bleeding on the ground. The 37-year-old died from a single gunshot wound to the head, according to court documents.

Records show police quickly identified Hickman as a potential suspect after several witnesses reported his involvement in the shooting.

Herring and Hickman, although first cousins, were reportedly involved in a sexual relationship since 2005, according to prosecutors.

Herring, police said, was “outing” Hickman as a homosexual by telling people about his sexual partners.

The cousins had reportedly taken interest in the same man, police said.

Detectives learned Hickman was the victim of a “blast” threat with Herring reportedly threatening to tell more people, including gang associates, about the supposed sex acts between the two men.

Witnesses said before the shooting occurred, Herring was seen standing in the parking lot, calling to an open window in Hickman’s apartment.

Herring, witnesses said, “appeared to be taunting Hickman,” according to court documents. Police said Hickman came down from the apartment.

Witnesses described him as “angry.”

One person, who claims to have seen the gun go off, told police Hickman said, “I didn’t mean to do it,” as he ran away.

Hickman fled to Las Vegas where he was arrested by United States Marshals on October 13, 2013. Initially, he denied being at the scene, records show. Detectives told Hickman video showed him running from the scene.

Hickman reportedly said “…you just gotta (sic) know there was nothing premeditated, it was an accident,” according to court records.

Documents show Hickman’s defense team may argue the shooting was accidental.

While both men were known to police as having gang associates at the time of the shooting, the case is not being investigated as a gang-related homicide.

The trial is scheduled to go until September 25.