The U.S. Marshals Service has bumped the reward to $6,000 for information leading to the arrest of Jonathan Martzes Petty, the man accused in a 2024 Shelby homicide. Investigators describe Petty as about 6 feet tall and roughly 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He remains at large, is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities say the killing in question happened in the courtyard of an apartment complex on March 29, 2024, a case that is still open.
Today, the Marshals' Carolinas Regional Task Force added $2,000 to the previous offer to revive public interest in the search, according to Queen City News. Investigators told the outlet that Petty has ties to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.
What investigators say happened
Police say 50-year-old Timothy Lamont Ruff was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the courtyard of Candlewood Apartments on March 29, 2024, and later died at a hospital. Warrants charging Jonathan Martzes Petty with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon were issued after the shooting, according to WSOC, which also reported that the U.S. Marshals have urged the public to share any tips.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about Petty's whereabouts can contact local tip lines or use county reporting tools. WBTV has reported that Crime Stoppers can be reached at 704-861-8000 and the Shelby Police Department at 704-484-6845, and the Cleveland County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers site offers a secure online tip form. Authorities say they want anyone with relevant information to come forward so potential leads can be evaluated quickly.
Where the case stands
Warrants for murder and possession of a firearm by a felon remain active, and Petty has not been arrested, according to local reporting. The $6,000 reward follows earlier notices; authorities had advertised a $4,000 reward last year, and investigators say increasing the amount is aimed at generating fresh leads. For more detail on the latest increase, see Queen City News and prior reporting by WSOC.
