Three Carbondale brothers are on trial for charges in connection with a shootout that occurred in the summer of 1992 on the 200 block of North Washington Street known as the Levy.

Charlie Pugh, 35, Ray Pugh, 27, and James (Wimpy) Pugh, 34, are charged with murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

James Pugh is also charged with obstructing justice. Authorities said he allegedly lied to police about where his brother Charlie Pugh was when the shooting occurred.

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Gerald L. Armour, 30, took the stand yesterday, and testified before a jury of 14 that it was Charlie Pugh who said lets get this party started and fired the first shot the night his friend Stanley Schauf,23, died.

Armour is serving 15 years in prison for firing the shot that killed Schauf on Aug. 23, 1992.

Armour and a few trial spectators became emotional when prosecution questioned Armour about the details of Schauf’s death.

Armour said the shootout occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., and there were about 45 people around the area of the Levy.

Everybody could probably feel the tension that night, Armour said.

Armour said the second time Charlie Pugh fired it was at him, at which time Armour said he pulled his gun out and started shooting at the Pugh brothers.

He said he saw Ray Pugh shooting at David A. Johnson, and saw James Pugh leaning over the top of a car and firing.

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Johnson pleaded guilty in 1993 to aggravated discharge of a firearm in connection with the shootout and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

When prosecution questioned Armour about his motives for testifying, Armour said, I feel like I owe it to my friend (Schauf).