Shooter in Mayflower Avenue Killing Claims Self Defense

The man in his Mayflower Avenue home on Friday told investigators that he acted in self defense, a sheriff's official said.

The man, who was not identified because he was not arrested, said that his house guest came into his bedroom in the early morning hours Friday and made threatening statements, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Lt. Michael Rosson said.

"Basically they were sleeping. The decedent came into their bedroom and said statements that were inflammatory," Rosson said. "Fearing for his safety, he discharged the firearm."

The shooter has not been arrested, and the case will be turned over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which is responsible for determining if charges should be brought.

Rosson declined to elaborate about whether a struggle took place or where the gun was when the deceased man allegedly made the threats. There had been no previous dispute between the men before the allegedly threatening behavior, Rosson said.

A coroner's official said Saturday afternoon that the deceased man's name is being withheld because his next of kin still hasn't been notified.

The man who was killed came out to California from Tennessee in an effort to start a business, Rosson said. He and the shooter were "acquaintances" at some time in that state and are not related, Rosson said.

Rosson said it could take several weeks before the district attorney's office decides whether or not to bring charges.