Published: Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009 01:42 PM

Autopsy: Shot to heart killed SC serial killer

GASTONIA, N.C. -- A bullet to the heart fired by a North Carolina police officer killed the man authorities think was a serial killer responsible for five deaths in South Carolina this summer.

An autopsy report obtained Friday by The Gaston Gazette found 41-year-old Patrick Burris was shot three times when he was confronted by officers July 6 in a Gastonia home.

The report finds the fatal bullet broke two ribs and punctured Burris' heart before lodging in a kidney. One bullet went through his scalp without hitting his brain and another grazed his thigh.

Prosecutors cleared the officers last month, saying they feared for their lives after Burris shot at them.

Authorities say Burris killed five people about 30 miles away in Gaffney, S.C., over six days.