GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) -- South Carolina authorities are on the scene of a fatal North Carolina shooting about 30 miles from a city terrorized by a serial killer.

South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said Monday that agents traveled to Gastonia after a man suspected of trying to burglarize a home was shot to death by police.

She could not confirm whether the shooting was linked to the recent slayings of five people near Gaffney, S.C.

The serial killer suspect is believed to be driving a champagne-colored Ford SUV. The same make and color sport utility vehicle is at the scene in North Carolina.

Gastonia authorities say the slain man first gave a fake name to officers. Police say they shot him after he opened fire.

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