LAPWAI, ID – A 53-year-old Lapwai man has been charged with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting during a confrontation outside a residence in Lapwai on Tuesday.

According to court documents, deputies responded to reports of a homicide around 7:30 p.m. after receiving word that a woman had been hospitalized with a head injury sustained during the altercation. The woman told investigators she had been hit in the head with a shovel and required multiple staples to close a laceration.

The suspect, Victor Joseph Gray, was taken into custody the same evening. Authorities allege Gray shot and killed a man who had entered his property and became involved in a physical altercation with both Gray and the injured woman. She reported that the man had been harassing them for several days and attacked them while they were gardening in separate areas of the yard.

During the altercation, the woman said she was struck in the head and lost consciousness. When she regained awareness, the man was allegedly still beating Gray. She said she heard a gunshot but did not see the shooting take place directly.

Two neighbors told investigators they observed the man strike Gray multiple times and then saw Gray retrieve a pistol from a vehicle after the initial fight had ended. They stated the man appeared to be walking away when Gray allegedly fired two shots, striking him in the torso.

According to the court documents, witness statements indicated there was a pause between the physical confrontation and the shooting, and that Gray reportedly had time to avoid using deadly force. The witnesses also reported prior issues with the man but said they were typically able to get him to leave by shouting at him.

Police reviewed 911 calls made during the incident, in which callers expressed panic and confusion, identifying Gray as the shooter and stating the man had been attacking them with shovels.

When interviewed by investigators, Gray said he was defending himself. He claimed the man came at him again after being warned and would not stop. However, the initial investigation determined that Gray may have no been under an immediate threat at the time the firearm was discharged and concluded that the shooting may not have been justified.

Gray was arrested and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail for first-degree murder. The investigation included body camera footage, physical evidence, and interviews conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Gray made his initial court appearance on Wednesday.  Bond was set at $1 million.