A 35-year-old Lee County man took his own life moments after law enforcement officers arrived at his home during an investigation into the sexual assault of a juvenile, the sheriff says.

Deputies went to the man’s home in the 100 block of Lee Road 2222 in the Salem community just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Sheriff Jay Jones.

Before investigators could enter, a single gunshot was heard coming from the back of the residence.

Investigators immediately backed away from the door of the residence and waited for additional personnel to arrive, Jones said.

A few minutes later, entry was made into the residence where the suspect was found dead in his bed with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the head.

Opelika Police Department was brought in to assist in the investigation. It

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