The sheriff of Martin County is asking gun owners to pay close attention before pulling the trigger around the home.

William Snyder issued the tip after a tragic shooting took place early Wednesday, in which a man accidentally shot and killed his pregnant wife in Stuart.

A report from WPBF-TV explains that the sheriff went on to say, “When you have a home where you have family members, you have to be even more careful and wait that extra second and do everything you can to make sure you know what you’re dealing with when you’re about to use deadly force.”

The man involved in the shooting told authorities he heard a noise outside the couple’s bedroom at about 1:30 a.m., and went to investigate.

He added that he was unaware his wife was not in the room, and ended up shooting her, after mistaking her for an intruder when he saw a shadow.

The woman died shortly thereafter at a hospital.

Officials have not identified the couple, as Marsy’s Law does not allow for the release of victims’ names or additional information regarding such incidents.

The investigation is ongoing.