Gabriel Okeynan's accused teen killer says he kicked but never stabbed victim

ACalgary teenager accused of second-degree murder in the death a homeless man last year testified his own defence Tuesday,saying he kicked butdidn't stab 45-year-old Gabriel Okeynan.

The accused was16-years-old when he and a 13-year-old were arrested in connection with the death ofOkeynan, who was found suffering from stab wounds in a smoking shelter near Marlborough Mall and died in hospital days later.

The younger of the pair pleaded guilty to manslaughter to last week.

• Gabriel Okeynan's accused teen killer sees CCTV evidence presented against him at trial
• 2nd teen, 16, charged with murder of Gabriel Okeynan
• 13-year-old charged with murder of Gabriel Okeynan

Wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and white running shoes, the older accusedwho is now 17told a Calgary courtroom he met Okeynan at the Marlborough LRT station in June 2014 and it was Okeynan who asked if he and his young acquaintance wanted to go drink some beer.

He testified that the three then walked to an area near the mall,where he says Okeynanfell down.

'I don't know why'

He admitted he kicked the victim twice"gently"in the shoulder but said he never stabbed Okeynanor struck him with a weapon.

The accused can'tbe named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

During his testimony, he was frequently stuttering, repeating words and phrases, and appeared to have difficulty understanding his lawyer's questions.

Court heard he hasa severe cognitive disability and an IQof 45.

Justice Scott Brooker asked the accused why he kicked Okeynan.

"Why? Why? I don't know why," the teen replied. "I don't know why. I kick himcuz. Just cuz. It's like, I don't know why. I don't know why I kick him. I don't kick him too hard.Kinda tough questions for me. I can't explain it."

The 17-year-old was the only witness for the defence.Closing statements are set to be heardWednesday morning.

The co-accused who pleaded guilty is set to besentenced next month.