The shooting death Saturday of an Athens man may be ruled self-defense, according to police officials.

Officers responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Belleview Drive shortly before 2:30 p.m. and found shooting victim Gregory Bailey, 45, of Elkmont, dead outside the home.

The victim reportedly fought with his nephew, William “cordall” Bailey, and Greg cut Cordall during the altercation.

Greg reportedly refused to vacate the Belleview Drive property after Cordall Bailey grabbed a handgun and demanded that his uncle leave. Police said the arguing continued and led to the shooting death of Greg Bailey.

Cordall Bailey was transported by ambulance to Athens-Limestone Hospital and then airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for further treatment. He was reportedly released Saturday evening.

Capt. Floyd Johnson of the Athens Police Department said investigators have interviewed witnesses but he wants to wait until all facts and forensic information are collected on the case, but added, “We are looking at a self-defense-type” situation.

He said it may take weeks for full forensic results to be processed by the state.

In May 2006, former Gov. Bob Riley signed Alabama’s “Castle Law,” into effect, giving residents greater legal safeguards to protect themselves rather than flee an intruder.

At the time, Riley said the law would “enhance citizens’ right to self-defense.”

“Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be forced to retreat when they are under attack from a criminal,” he said in a press release upon signing the bill into law. “They have the right to protect themselves and their families, and this new law makes that clear.”

The law allows homeowners and vehicle occupants who believe their lives are threatened to use deadly force against intruders. It also removed a legal requirement that forced crime victims to retreat when faced with an intruder.

The law also shields those who use deadly force in self-defense from criminal prosecution or civil action. The law does not permit the use of deadly force against those who have a right to be in a house or against law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.

Aubrey Privett, a former teacher and principal at West Limestone High School where Greg Bailey was a student, said though he hadn’t had contact with Bailey for many years, he was saddened by his death.

“He was well-liked and got along well with other students,” Privett said. “It really is a shock and I was sorry to hear about it. My thoughts are with his family.”