A Carmichael, California, man will not face charges after fatally shooting his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, who had broken into their apartment and assaulted him, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a call about a shooting at the Sutter Crossing Apartments complex early Sunday morning. The caller, the woman’s current boyfriend, reported that the ex-boyfriend had entered his bedroom and assaulted him while he was sleeping. The man then retrieved a gun hidden beneath his pillow and shot the intruder once, killing him at the scene.

Investigators determined that the shooting was a case of self-defense, and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office decided not to press charges against the shooter. The gun used in the incident was legally obtained and registered to the man who pulled the trigger.

Local attorney Michael Wise explained that California’s “stand your ground” laws allow individuals to defend themselves, especially within their own homes. “If this gentleman was presented with a lethal threat that he did not trigger in any way, then he’s entitled to defend himself and kill that intruder,” Wise said.

He added that even if the gun had not been registered, the use of deadly force in self-defense would still be justified under California law.

The identities of those involved have not been released, pending notification of the victim’s next of kin by the medical examiner.