A suspect in the killing of four hostages in Mississippi is dead

Clinton, Miss. – A man who killed four people while taking a hostage in a Mississippi home died at the hospital, authorities said Sunday. Captain John Poulos, spokesman for the Mississippi Public Security Department, said the suspect was shot dead during the 12-hour clash at a Clinton home.

The offensive began around 2:30 am on Saturday when police guarding a home visit opened fire, officials said. The suspect returned home and refused to go out.

Four people were found dead at the end of the match, said Clinton City spokesman Mark Jones.

A witness described the scene outside the house as a war zone. More than 50 police vehicles and a SWAT team surrounded the residence as the situation evolved, reported WJTV, a CBS Jackson affiliate.

Television footage showed two young children released from the house during the confrontation and a barrage of shots shortly before the end. The names of the people killed or the suspect have not been published yet.