GORST -- Detectives investigating a fatal shooting in Gorst last week said Wednesday the inquiry could take months to complete because of toxicology tests, but indicated that so far the shooting of Cody T. Brooks, 31, appears to be self-defense.

However, the determination of whether a crime was committed and if the shooting was in fact in self-defense, will be made by county prosecutors. Two people were detained and released at the scene. No arrests have been made.

A friend of Brooks’ described him as a large man -- he was 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 315 pounds -- but a “gentle giant.” Court records suggest in recent years he struggled with mental illness and aggression.

Cody T. Brooks: Man shot and killed in Gorst identified

“During our initial response by deputies and detectives and subsequent investigative steps, information suggests that the circumstances of this shooting are consistent with self-defense,” said Kitsap County Sheriff's Detective Lt. Jon VanGesen.

VanGesen said the investigation is not complete and detectives continue to gather information.

“In all cases where deadly force is used it will be referred to the prosecutor's office for review,” VanGesen said.

He added that investigators anticipated the investigation would take two to three months to complete because of the wait for results from the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. When complete, investigative reports will be forwarded to prosecutors for review.

Authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety in relation to this shooting, VanGesen said.

Randolph Ellison grew up with Brooks in the Gorst area. He said he had not been in contact with him for about six years, but remembers a towering, kind man.

“He was big and intimidating, but he was a kind and gentle soul,” Ellison said. “If you got to know him, he’s just a nice guy.”

Police were initially called at about 4:08 p.m. after 911 dispatchers received reports that a man had been shot in the chest following a dispute involving a knife. When investigators arrived at the 3800 block of Thorson Road they found Brooks dead in the road.

Brooks was arrested in May 2017 for felony assault after he was accused of choking a family member who Brooks believed smoked one of his cigarettes. Witnesses told a Kitsap County sheriff’s deputy that Brooks had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and could be quick to anger and aggression, according to court documents.