A 29-year-old man, believed to be an apparent suspect in an early morning home invasion, was shot and killed in the aftermath of the crime.

Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith declined comment on whether investigators believe Terriel Terick High of Gaston was shot by one of the victims of the home invasion, which occurred in the 100 block of Firman Myrick Street.

Smith said the home invasion was reported around 12:15 a.m. today. Four people, including High, reportedly forced their way into the home, bandannas covering their faces.

After what Smith said was a short search of the home, which was occupied by a woman and several children, the men exited out the back door. That's when several shots were heard and High was found dead by Gaston police.

Smith said a weapon was recovered, but it is not believed to be the one used to kill high.

Sheriff's office investigators and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation agents were, as of this report, still in the process of executing a search warrant at the residence

A group of people waiting to get back inside declined comment.