A man shot to death in Birmingham’s Thomas community earlier this week was killed by a homeowner while he was trying to break into the victim’s home, police announced on Friday.

West precinct officers responded to the 100 block of Thomas Circle about 10 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a person shot. They arrived and found an unresponsive man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.

Birmingham police Sgt. Johnny Williams on Friday said officers learned that the homeowner shot the suspect as he encountered the suspect trying to break into his home. Investigators presented the case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office and it was ruled as a justifiable shooting.

Authorities were initially unable to identify the suspect but have since done so. However, coroner’s officials have not yet located his family.