On Sunday things began to change. Negotiators sensed a change in Dykes' demeanor. But what they saw through the camera was what made them decide to storm the bunker and rescue the boy on Monday: Dykes was holding a weapon.

That's when federal agents, who had been practicing rescue missions in a wooden replica of the bunker, detonated large explosions and two agents dropped into the bunker and fatally shot Dykes, sources told CNN.

Ethan, who celebrated his birthday shortly after the rescue, was unharmed. It was all over in seconds.

The bunker is set to be destroyed after all the evidence is removed, Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson said.