WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) A suspect accused of fatally shooting a man, then pistol-whipping him after he fell to the ground has been arraigned on murder and other charges.

Alejandro Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in the killing of 24-year-old Deleone Smith.

The Republican-American reports that witnesses told police that Hernandez, a convicted drug dealer, and Smith confronted each other outside a liquor store and Smith put a gun to Hernandez's throat.

Hernandez pulled out a pistol and shot Smith numerous times as bystanders ran for cover.

His lawyer, Jerry Attanasio, said he believed there is a ``legitimate self-defense claim,'' referring to a witness' statement that Smith held a gun on Hernandez.

Hernandez was held on a $2 million bond after being arraigned Wednesday in Waterbury Superior Court.