WILMINGTON — A suspect in an alleged assault with a machete is claiming self-defense.

Rob Baker, defense attorney for Lee DeBord, made a new claim of self-defense at a hearing in Clinton County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

DeBord faces two charges of felonious assault and one charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly assaulting his roommate, Roger Tucker, with a machete at their residence in the community of Cuba, south of Wilmington, in late July.

Baker also made a motion to have an expert in wounds and blood splatter as a witness.

Baker told Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck he has spoken with two experts in wounds and blood spatter that could potentially testify and prove the self-defense claim.

“An expert can in many cases taking a look at the wounds, the angle in which the wound was caused, the depth of the wound, the location on the body to determine it was an offensive move or a defensive move,” said Baker.

Rudduck asked if Baker had an estimated cost or timeline as to when this could take place. Baker said he did not, but he advised he was also waiting to hear back from a third possible expert.

Rudduck decided to continue the hearing on Nov. 8 so Baker could provide an estimated cost and timeline.

Authorities have said they believe this wasn’t a “random act of violence.”

DeBord fled the scene and evaded authorities for about a week until he was apprehended in Clermont County, police said.