A Roanoke Rapids man facing child abuse charges was shot and killed Sunday morning after forcing entry into a residence on Coleus Lane, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Major Anzell Harris said deputies responded around 4 a.m. to a domestic call at the residence in the Roanoke Rapids area, where a man identified as Tony Lee Creekmore was banging on the door. Harris said it was not clear why Creekmore was at the residence.

While deputies were en route, the caller reported that Creekmore had forced entry into the home. Harris said a woman inside, whose name is being withheld, fired the shots that killed Creekmore. Deputies arrived and found him deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Members of the Criminal Investigations Division responded and began their investigation. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed, and Harris said the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether charges will be warranted.

The shooting came as Creekmore’s legal proceedings were being addressed in Halifax County District Court.

Court records show that late last week, Assistant District Attorney Sonravea Privette moved to strike a failure to appear, recall an order for arrest, and strike a bond forfeiture for Creekmore on charges of intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury, three counts of resisting a public officer, and disorderly conduct. The motion noted that another North Carolina District Attorney's office alerted the state to extenuating circumstances and safety concerns that prevented Creekmore from appearing in court as scheduled.

Today in Halifax County District Court, Judge W. Rob Lewis II found good cause and granted the motion, ordering the arrest order recalled, the failure to appear and bond forfeiture stricken, and the trial rescheduled for January 28.

The charges against Creekmore stemmed from a July investigation that began when deputies responded to a domestic call on Coleus Lane, where they discovered a child with severe bruises and marks consistent with being struck by an extension cord.

In September, additional charges were filed against Creekmore for misdemeanor child abuse and violating a court order after investigators determined he had been around the household despite being ordered to stay away. A woman connected to the residence, Erica Barber, was also charged at that time with aiding and abetting and accessory after the fact for allegedly coercing a child to lie during a forensic interview to protect Creekmore.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant M. Hasty at 252-554-9733.

The Halifax County Sheriff's Office extended its thoughts and prayers to everyone involved.