GAFFNEY, S.C. - South Carolina law enforcement officials
say a burglary suspect slain in North Carolina is the serial killer
who shot five people to death in South Carolina in recent days.

State Law Enforcement Deputy Director Neil Dolan says ballistics
of the gun and bullets found on the man Monday in Gastonia, N.C.,
match those used to kill residents in and around Gaffney, S.C.,
some 30 miles away.

He says authorities want to put the community at rest. Dolan tells The Associated Press, ``We have him. He's our serial killer.''

He says a news conference is planned Monday night.

Authorities have not released the slain man's name.

They found him when they responded to a possible burglary at a vacant house in Gastonia.

They say he gave a fake name and pulled a gun.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)