Authorities are now saying the shooting death of a 44-year-old man Tuesday morning in Big Canoe is being investigated as self-defense.

Dawson County authorities were called to the scene of what was first thought to be an intruder at a home on Columbine Drive in Big Canoe at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. With officers en route to the gated community, reports were made that the intruder had been shot and killed.

Authorities later learned the deceased, who was identified as Howard Lynn Moreland, was a business partner of a woman who lived at the residence.

Lt. Tony Wooten, spokesman for the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, said the shooting resulted from an argument between the female resident and her business partner.

"There was an altercation between the man and the female resident that turned physical," Wooten said. "The husband saw the altercation between the wife and her business partner. When the deceased pulled out a knife, the husband shot him."

Authorities are confident in the residents’ self-defense claim, Wooten said.

Dawson County investigators are continuing the investigation.