Man shot, killed during home invasion with children inside

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating a homicide after a home invasion turned deadly in east Charlotte early Wednesday morning.

Otis Crawford was sound asleep when someone busted open the door of his family home at 3:20 a.m. 

"They came in and once they came in I heard a gunshot and the first reaction was I need to get out of here.

He ran down Rupert Lane, desperate to find a neighbor's help. 

IMAGES: Deadly east Charlotte home invasion

"I rung her doorbell and she was like, 'What you need,' 'I said somebody just got shot.'  I didn't know who got shot," Otis Crawford said.

Later he would learn it was his uncle, Michael Crawford, 44, who was shot and killed.  He said Michael was selfless and always wore a smile.

"He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve it he didn't do nothing to nobody."

Crawford was in the house with his 2-year-old daughter, mother, fiancé, step-daughter, and nephew, Otis when the suspects came in. 

Police haven't released an exact motive, but Otis said he heard the suspects demanding money.
               
"I heard my Godmother screaming for help and they were saying, 'Get the money.'"

CMPD is still searching for the assailants.

Officers are interviewing those who were in the home during the shooting. 

WSOC