Question raised: Murder or self-defense?

Oconee Sheriff Mike Crenshaw has released the following statement on the investigation of a fatal shooting last weekend near Westminster:  “Since Sunday evening, when deputies and investigators were dispatched to the scene of a reported shooting at 350 Brock Road near Westminster, the Sheriff’s Office has been investigating this case in which one individual, 33 year old Jesse Eugene Mulkey died from a gunshot wound.  In press releases issued yesterday by the Sheriff’s Office and the Oconee County Coroner’s Office, this case is being investigated as a homicide. The Sheriff’s Office is at the point in the investigation in which we can release more information regarding certain circumstances in the case.  According to our investigation, Mr. Mulkey and the shooter both had weapons on their person when this incident occurred.  The Sheriff’s Office is continuing our investigation and is currently attempting to make a determination if this is a case of murder or self-defense. Both subjects were the acquaintances of a female who lived at the incident location.  At this time, we cannot give a timeline regarding our determination of the final findings in the case.  Lab tests conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will help us determine which weapons were fired and the amount of times any weapons were fired.  It may take a few weeks for that information to come back.  Once again, this is an active and ongoing investigation and due to that fact, we cannot release any further information at this time.  As of right now, no one has been arrested and no charges have been filed.  Therefore, we will not releasing any information regarding the identity of the shooter.”