The man arrested in connection of the murder of rapper Dolla was officially charged murder Wednesday (May 20), but he's saying it was self-defense.

According to an Associated Press report, 23-year-old Aubrey Louis Berry was charged with murder and a pair of assault charges in connection with Monday's shooting at Los Angeles Beverly Center shopping mall.

He appeared in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday, and had his bail raised to $5 million. But, he has yet to enter a plea. That will take place during a Friday (May 22) court hearing.

Berry's attorney, Howard R. Price, said his client was acting in self-defense when he killed Dolla, and fired at two other people.

Price said Berry feared for his life after he and Dolla (real name: Roderick Anthony Burton II) had an altercation at an Atlanta nightclub earlier this month.

He went on to say that it was a coincidence that the two men ended up in Los Angeles at the same restaurant (P.F. Chang's China Bistro) on the same day and at the same time. And accused Dolla and his crew of being affiliated with the Crips gang -- one of the reasons his client feared for his life.

According to Berry, Dolla threatened him in the restroom and followed him to the valet area, and that's why he opened fire.

Berry was arrested shortly after the shooting at LAX, with a loaded 9mm handgun tucked into his waistband. He said he was leaving L.A. because he feared for his safety.

Dolla was signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik label, and was in Los Angeles recording for his debut album, Dolla & A Dream. He's best known for his debut single, "Who The F*** Is That?" featuring T-Pain.