A 51-year-old Fleming Island man was killed early Saturday, and Clay County Sheriff's Office detectives suspect he was shot in self defense by his wife.

James Rick Hampton was shot once in the upper body just before 5 a.m. inside his home on Habersham Harbour Drive, deputies said. He died at the scene.

Detectives believe that the shooting happened following an altercation between Hampton and his wife, Debra.

Authorities said the wife called 911 to report the shooting and she and her teenage daughter exited the home peacefully once deputies arrived.

Debra Hampton, 50, was questioned by detectives but was not arrested or detained.

Officials said James Hampton had moved to the area from Montana in February and was joined in the home by his wife and daughter in July.

Sheriff's officials said there is no record of any previous law enforcement calls to the Hampton home and neither James nor Debra Hampton has a criminal record in Clay County.

An autopsy was being conducted and further information was not expected to be released until Monday.