LISTEN: 911 call shows grandmother terrified of grandson

(WXYZ) - Sandra Layne, 74, goes on trial for the murder of her grandson in just a few weeks. She’s facing life in prison, but the question remains: Was it self-defense?

The upcoming trial will be as much about Sandra Layne, as it will be about her grandson—sources tell 7 Action News she will testify in her own defense.

Layne’s grandson called 911 last May as he was allegedly being shot by her.

Attorney Jerry Sabbota is the only one Sandra Layne has talked with since her grandson was shot three times in the chest, once in the abdomen and once in the left arm, according to the autopsy. It also showed Jonathan Hoffman had synthetic marijuana in his blood.

The pair had a similar fight two months earlier. Layne called police to have them come out, saying he needed help.

“This is a young man that was dumped on her, that was involved in drugs, on probation and difficult to control,” said Sabbota.

Layne’s attorney says Jonathan failed a drug test and four days before that was in the hospital for a drug overdose.

The  jury will also see records that Jon was failing at an alternative high school. This is the Jon he says Sandra saw--not the happy teen on his Facebook page.

A month later, Sandra Layne bought a glock 9mm handgun. A month later she would kill Jonathan with it.

The teen’s parents were divorcing and moved to Arizona.

When asked, 'Why didn't she just kick him out?"-- "Because she's a grandmother,” responded Sabbota.

The attorney will argue to the jury: murder has a motive.

“Take those three evils away and you don't have a crime. Sex, drugs or money. That didn't happen here,” said Sabbota.

Because this is an open murder charge, Sandra Layne has been held in jail without bail. Within a few weeks, she could be free or be sentenced to life in prison.

“I believe grandma when grandma tells me she did what she did and how she felt and how she reacts. And I think the jury will too,” said Sabotta.

Sandra’s trial is set for March 4.