Riegelwood dispute turns deadly

RIEGELWOOD -- The Columbus County Sheriff's Department says a dispute turned deadly Sunday morning. It happened around 5 a.m. on Robbie's Lane in Riegelwood.

Authorities say 23-year-old Terrell Brown broke into his girlfriend Ashley Brown's house using a machete. David Simmons was staying with her in the house and the two go into a fight.

Deputies say that's when Simmons shot and killed Terrel Brown.

Brown's friends are defending his actions.

Brandon Razor is the victim's friend. He said, "I talked to him the day before yesterday and he told me he was going to buy an engagement ring, he got engagement ring for my stepsister and he was going propose to her. He went over there to propose to her, I guess him and the new dude got into a fight and he just shot him."

Simmons went to the hospital with minor injuries.

Right now deputies say it appears the shooting was self-defense.