FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) - A man suspected in a fatal shooting in Fort Smith has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Sgt. Daniel Grubbs said in an email that officers found Ibn Islam Wednesday at the apartment he shared with his girlfriend. A handgun was near his body.

Officers began searching for Islam after Chad Whitfield was found dead at a residence earlier in the day. Two women and three children were discovered hiding in the home but they weren't harmed.

Witnesses allege Islam called to say he was coming over and that Whitfield told them to go to the back bedrooms before he got there. They reported hearing multiple gunshots shortly after Islam arrived.

Police received permission from Islam's girlfriend to search their home. A tactical team found him about 5:40 p.m.

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