EMPORIUM — The January shooting death of 63-year-old Thomas Krivonyak in Cameron County has been ruled self-defense, and no charges will be filed against the alleged shooter.

Cameron County District Attorney Paul Malizia released a statement Friday regarding the Jan. 4 shooting at 182 Trailer Court Drive near Four Mile Road in Shippen Township. He described the evening the shooting took place.

“Upon arrival of the police, Mr. Krivonyak was found deceased on the kitchen floor of the residence with two apparent gunshot wounds. The investigation revealed that the landlord and her significant other had presented Krivonyak with an eviction notice, at which time Krivonyak became violent, placing the landlord’s paramour in a choke hold. Both individuals fell to the floor and two shots were fired,” Malizia said.

“The shooter had a valid license to carry a handgun. The evidence was thoroughly investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F Emporium barracks, as well as the Troop F, Major Case Team,” he continued.

The evidence collected as a result of this investigation included video surveillance from the scene as well as witness statements and extensive forensic procedures, Malizia explained. An autopsy was also performed confirming the cause of death to be from a gunshot wound.

“Based on all the available evidence, as a result of this investigation, the District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police have determined that there is insufficient evidence to sustain any criminal charges being filed against the shooter.”

The top prosecutor said he would not release the name of the shooter, as the man was not being charged.