A Vass man who broke into a home in Fayetteville was shot and killed Friday in what police say appears to be an act of self-defense.

According to Fayetteville police, Alton Jeffery McCrimmon, 23, was shot after he and another man broke into the home of Richard J. Opdenhoff on Winter Park Drive.

"The victim defended himself," said a Police Department spokesperson.

McCrimmon was found dead in a neighbor's driveway clutching a handgun. It has been reported that McCrimmon was wearing a mask, but police said they could not confirm that.

The shooting is still under investigation. No charges have been filed.

Officers are searching for a second man who was believed to be with McCrimmon. They have no description of the second suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Josh Carter at (910) 433-1856 or speak anonymously with CrimeStoppers at (910) 483-TIPS.

Opdenhoff's step-daughter, Jessica Jonelle Cahoon, was shot and killed April 1 in Robeson County. She and her boyfriend were traveling on Red Springs Road when another vehicle forced them off the road.

Three men emerged from the vehicle and started shooting. She was shot in the head and died on the scene. Her boyfriend was slightly injured. Robeson County sheriff's deputies believe the shooting was random and that robbery was the motive.

Deputies have arrested two men and charged them with the murder. Cheyenne Dwayne Woods, 18, of Red Springs, and Decario Whitfield, 20, of Washington, D.C., are in the Robeson County Jail awaiting trial.

The two shootings are not believed to be related.

Contact Matthew Moriarty at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty @thepilot.com.