A man who shot and killed his friend Thursday night said that he fired in self-defense during an argument, investigators said Friday.

Marcus White, 31, was killed at a home in the 3100 block of Short 19th Street around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. Witnesses told police that White had been arguing with two men at the home over two different women, Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit assistant commander Lt. Kip Hart said.

White returned 10 minutes later, armed with a handgun, Hart said.

Witnesses said that White pulled the gun before the shooter fired, he said. White ran out of the house and collapsed in the front yard.

“Based on the claim of self-defense by the suspect, the statements of witnesses at the scene, and the evidence located at the scene, the suspect has not been charged with anything at this time and his name is not being released,” Hart said.

The case will be presented to the Tuscaloosa County grand jury to determine if criminal charges will be filed.

The shooter and White were friends who had known one another for awhile, Hart said.

“Once we complete the investigation, the information will be presented to a grand jury for review,” Hart said. “There may be some charges or indictments issued or there may not, depending on their findings.”

The shooting is the second this year in which the shooter claimed self-defense.

Roy Sewell, 71, was shot and killed by a neighbor at his Northport home on July 12. The men had argued about the line dividing their property before exchanging shots over a chain link fence. The neighbor, 33, was never arrested and claimed self-defense. A Tuscaloosa County grand jury heard details of the case and failed to indict the man.