Vass — A 12-year-old girl who was murdered at her Moore County home Friday died of several gunshot wounds, according to an autopsy report.

Emily Elizabeth Haddock stayed home from school sick with strep throat and was by herself when someone broke into her home at 6988 Marks Road, outside of Vass, authorities said.

Authorities said they believe it was a break-in gone wrong.

A few hours before Emily was shot with a small caliber gun, police say someone was spotted trying to break into John Lyczkowski's house about a mile up the road. The person was trying to kick in the door and pry open the window with a screwdriver, officials said.

Lyczkowski said he and his family couldn't believe it when they heard what happened to Emily.

“It was overwhelming to me and my wife. We were both hurt, because an innocent child was involved,” he said.

Police are investigating whether the two cases are connected. Officials released a description of a person of interest in the case. They're looking for a black man, about 18 to 26 years old, between 5’8” and 6’ foot tall, with a dark complexion and a slim build.

Emily’s body was discovered Friday when her grandfather stopped by the house at about 1:30 p.m. to check on her. He noticed the door had been forced open, according to officials. He found her body on the floor and called 911.

Authorities described the inside of the house as "a brutal scene."

Those who knew Emily described her as a “ball of sunshine” who loved signing along to the radio.

“Emily was a great kid, a great kid … fun to be around, loving and very playful,” said Richard Sibbett, Emily’s cousin. “The family is confused right now about why this would happen.”

A flower memorial now rests in front of Emily's house. Deputies are using dogs as they continue their search to find any clues along Marks Road.

“This is a very brutal murder. The fact that it involved an 11-year-old child who’s completely defenseless, it’s just a terrible situation,” said Chief Deputy Neil Godfrey with the Moore County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at 910-947-2931.