A Brookhaven man was shot to death and his live-in girlfriendwas charged with murder following an apparent domestic disputearound 6 p.m. Saturday, authorities said.

After suffering a gun shot wound to the upper left chest, JohnL. Emerson, 66, of 517 Curran Avenue, was pronounced dead at hishome at 7:05 p.m. by Lincoln County Coroner-Medical Examiner ClayMcMorris, said Deputy Coroner John Hart.

Brookhaven police officers were called to the residence justafter 6 p.m., by Diane Laird, 54, of the same address, said ChiefPap Henderson.

“Diane Laird met officers at the door. She was covered inblood,” he said. “When the officers went in the house, theydiscovered him dead on the floor in the bedroom.”

Henderson said officers then searched the house and discoveredthe gun, believed to be used in the shooting, on thenightstand.

Laird was charged with murder and is being held in the LincolnCounty Jail awaiting a bond hearing on Tuesday. Authorities are notcertain about a motive in the shooting.

“At this time, the only thing we can say is domestic problem.Because alcohol was involved, things are unclear and we’re stilltrying to get all the details,” said Henderson.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Emerson, Hart said.

Brookhaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which areincomplete.