RATHDRUM - Authorities are investigating the stabbing death of a 22-year-old man that occurred Friday night at the Prairie Schooner Estates, 2215 E. Highway 53.

The victim has been identified as Brandon S. DeLuca, of Rathdrum, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

The stabbing occurred after a physical confrontation between DeLuca and his girlfriend's father, Scott A. Johnson, 47, also of Rathdrum, deputies said.

Johnson was initially taken into custody at the scene after he admitted to stabbing DeLuca, who reportedly lunged at Johnson in the rear of the trailer, deputies said.

After an investigation at the scene and interviews with witnesses - including Johnson himself - evidence indicated that Johnson acted in self-defense, the press release noted. Johnson was released.

Once the investigation is finalized, it will be submitted to the Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office, the release said.