Cops shoot dead gunman who sparked terror in small California town — as woman’s body is found

A California man accused of killing a woman and launching a violent crime spree was shot dead by deputies early Sunday after a tense overnight manhunt through rugged forests.

Derek Spencer, 44, was killed around 4 a.m. after cops said he fired multiple shots at them from behind a berm in the Iowa Hill area.

The confrontation came hours after tactical teams located him using infrared technology from a California Highway Patrol aircraft.

The deadly standoff followed the discovery of an adult woman who had been shot and killed inside a home where Spencer had reportedly been earlier. Investigators believe Spencer killed the woman before fleeing into the surrounding woods.

Authorities said he had been sought after allegedly pointing a firearm at people, ramming a sheriff’s vehicle and firing at law enforcement and a helicopter.

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