An investigation is underway after a male was shot to death inside a western Jefferson County home early Wednesday.

Deputies were dispatched at 6:45 a.m. to a report of a burglary in progress at the house in the 6600 block of Newbridge Cove in the McCalla area. The initial caller reported arriving home to find someone inside the house.

When deputies arrived, they found the male dead on the scene.

Lt. Joni Money said the initial investigation indicates that the victim was hiding inside the home and discovered by one of the homeowners.

As the person who was fatally shot began to leave, he was confronted by another resident – an adult male – who was sleeping in a room near the door.

Witnesses told investigators that shots were exchanged between the slain male who was hiding in the home and the male resident. Both were injured.

The male resident was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Money said it’s possible that the victim knew someone who lived inside the home. The slain male’s identity has not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Detectives are currently interviewing the witnesses in this case and are working to identify the slain male.