Man Killed While Allegedly Breaking Into Home Was Convicted Felon

EUREKA SPRINGS, N.C. — Authorities said a man who was shot while allegedly breaking into the house of a pregnant mother near Fayetteville Tuesday was a convicted felon.

Louis Deon McMillian, 28, of 822 Whitfield Street, Fayetteville, died after police said he tried to force his way into the home of Crystal Strickland, 23, in Eureka Springs.

McMillian, according to court records, had served time in prison for assault with a deadly weapon and for violating probation. His criminal record dated back more than 15 years.

Investigators used McMillian's fingerprints to identify him.

Strickland told investigators she was watching television in the living room of her home when she heard a noise coming from the kitchen. When she went to investigate, she saw the shadow of a man and went to get her boyfriend's gun.

The suspect then went to the front of the home and kicked in the door, investigators said. He then pointed a gun at Strickland, and shots were exchanged.

Strickland told investigators she did not know McMillian. They are investigating why he, who lived near downtown Fayetteville, was in her neighborhood.

Strickland, who is 9 months pregnant, had been home alone with her two small children, both who were napping at the time of the encounter.

Detectives said that the case is still under investigation and that the Cumberland County district attorney would decide whether to file charges against Strickland.