Update: A press release from the Sheriff’s office has stated that the young girl’s age is 9. The story has been updated below to reflect that fact.

Cass County authorities are investigating the death of a woman who was found dead in a home outside of Dowagiac in Wayne Township late Tuesday night.

According to police, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were deployed after Cass Central Dispatch received a call reporting a shooting at a residence on the 24000 block of Flanders Street, at 9:39 that evening.

Upon arriving at the scene, police witnessed a 9-year-old girl running out of the house, followed by a man police said appeared to be in his 40s. After securing the two subjects, police entered the residence, where they found a woman, also appearing to be in her 40s, lying on the floor near the back of the residence with a gunshot wound. Paramedics with Pride Care Ambulance declared the woman dead on the scene.

The male subject was taken in custody by authorities for questioning about the death. The girl, who appeared to be uninjured, was taken to the hospital for further examination.

A preliminary investigation by authorities determined that the male occupant was married to the victim, with the girl being their daughter. Police believe that a domestic altercation occurred within the household prior to the woman’s death.

Police had responded to an incident at the Flanders Street residence once before, but not for assault or domestic violence, authorities said.

Officers with the Sheriff’s Office are currently awaiting authorization of a search warrant to continue the investigation of the house. Assisting them with the initial response on scene were officers with the Pokagon Tribal Police and Michigan State Police.

The police will divulge more information about the case as their investigation continues.

Check back at Leaderpub.com for updates about this developing story.