POST FALLS — Mitchell C. Payette, 24, Post Falls, has been identified as man died as a result of gunshot wounds early Monday after reportedly breaking into a home south of Post Falls and threatening the occupants.

The renters of the home in the 900 block of south Spokane Street were also identified by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office as Trent J. Slinger, 21, and Shelby R. Arlt, 25, both of Post Falls.

An autopsy was completed on Monday. The final results of the examination, to include the official cause of

death and toxicology reports, will not be complete for six to eight weeks.

Preliminary, the investigation indicates a male and female were sleeping inside the residence and were awakened by loud crashing noises coming from inside their home, according to the KCSO. The male resident discovered an intruder had forced his way into the home through a door and was continuing to damage property inside.

The resident confronted the intruder verbally telling him to leave. After being told several times to leave, the intruder, who also appears to have been armed during the incident, began aggressing both residents.

The male resident fired several rounds from a handgun, which ultimately stopped the intruder, according to the KCSO.

This is still an active investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.