On Friday, police captured a murder suspect who is accused of killing a truck driver during a botched robbery more than a year ago.
The crime.
The original crime happened back on June 9, 2015, when 63-year-old Thomas Childs was at a loading dock at Ridgeway Industries in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, preparing for a delivery in New York.
Childs was standing by his truck when he was approached by an armed man. The suspect attempted to rob him, then shot driver twice, killing him at the scene. The suspect took less than $20 from the deceased trucker and fled the area.
Authorities later found Childs’ money and phone in a cemetery.
The search.
Earlier this year, police issued a press release stating that the suspect was still on the run.
At the time, U.S. Marshal David B. Webb of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stated,
“Rodney Shelton’s blatant disregard for human life has made this case a top priority for us. Our deputy U.S. marshals and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners will leave no stone unturned until this dangerous fugitive faces justice.”
Authorities asked for the public’s help in finding the killer. KPLCTV reported that Shelton’s description as 5’9”, 170 pounds, with brown eyes, and multiple tattoos on his neck, head, and left hand. A $20,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
The capture.
On Friday, December 9th 2016, Georgia police arrested 38-year-old Rodney Shelton II in Dekalb County, Georgia, NBC-10 reported.
He was found at home of his child’s mother. She told officers that Shelton admitted to shooting the man during a robbery, and being high at the time of the incident. Shelton was arrested and charged with first, second, and third-degree murder.
Upon receiving the news, the slain trucker’s wife told reporters that the news of Shelton’s capture was “the best Christmas present ever.”