BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It has been more than three years since the Harper family was found slain inside their Southeast Bakersfield home.

In that time Vincent Brothers has never spoken about the slayings or his whereabouts, but Tuesday afternoon Brothers broke his silence and took the stand in his own defense.

“Joanie, Marques, Lyndsey, Marshall and Mrs. Harper,” Brothers whispered on the stand.

One by one he tearfully read off the names of his slain family members.

Before taking the stand late Tuesday afternoon Judge Michael Bush advised Brothers he had the right to remain silent.

Despite the advice Brothers took the stand as both a grieving husband and father. He recalled for the defense his July 2003 trip to Columbus, Ohio, to visit his brother Melvin. During the visit Brothers said he made a couple calls home. He testified his final conversation with his wife Joanie took place on the Fourth of July.

Brothers said during his Ohio visit he split his time between his brothers Melvin and Troy.

In other testimony Vincent Brothers said he often worked around the Harper home fixing and replacing things for Ernestine.

He said because he suffered from Valley Fever his mother-in-law gave him rubber gloves and a mask to wear for protection.

A glove tip containing Brothers’ DNA was found underneath the upturned purse of Joanie Harper by investigators shortly following the slayings. But, the defense has argued Vincent Brothers’ DNA would be found in the Harper home since he used to live there and he often did odd jobs around the house for Ernestine.

The prosecution believes Brothers drove cross-country during the holiday weekend in order to kill his wife, three children, and mother-in-law Ernestine.

The defense is expected to wrap up its questions Wednesday, then it will be the prosecution’s turn to cross-examine Brothers.