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Gunmen still at large in fatal shooting

Photo from Facebook Joe Patterson II

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Staff photo by Greg Lynch A Buick with vanity plates reading "King Joe" sits in front of the townhouse at 3385 Bentbranch Lane in Fairfield Twp. where Joe Patterson II was reportedly shot and killed Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010.

Victim shot several times while wife, three children were upstairs.

By Rick McCrabb and Kelsey Cano, Staff Writers Updated 10:39 AM Friday, August 27, 2010

FAIRFIELD TWP. — Two gunmen forced their way into a home and fatally shot a man while his wife and three young children were inside.

Joe DeAngelo Patterson II, 34, was shot several times late Wednesday, Aug. 25, at his townhome at 3385 Bentbranch Lane, according to Fairfield Twp. police.

Police Chief Richard St. John said the armed suspects forced their way into the residence at about 11:19 p.m., and that there was a struggle between one intruder and Patterson before he was shot multiple times. Patterson’s wife and three children were upstairs and did not witness the incident, he said.

“We know this was not a random crime. Whether the victim specifically knew the shooters or not is part of the investigation,” said St. John, who would not speculate on the motive.

In a 911 call released Thursday, a woman identifying herself as Patterson’s wife said her husband had been shot in the head.

“They had guns and I started covering my head. They were telling me to shut up or they were going to shoot me,” the caller said.

The suspects took $1,080 in cash before fleeing the Tyler’s Creek complex between Tylersville and Hamilton-Mason roads, according to police reports. The suspects, wearing dark clothing and carrying weapons — one a handgun and one possibly a rifle — remain at large. One is described as a shorter, slender black male and the second, also described as a black male, stands approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 230 pounds.