On November 19, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., 53-year-old Ronnie Leon Ruth was fatally shot inside the Fast Mart convenience store located on Tom Hunter Road in northeast Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the scene, where Ruth was pronounced dead.
Witnesses described the incident as a swift act of violence, with the suspect entering the store, immediately committing the shooting, and then fleeing the area.
There was no indication of a robbery or prior altercation leading up to the shooting.
Two days later, on November 21, 2024, CMPD arrested 52-year-old Sharrieff Ellis Gray in connection with Ruth's death. Gray was charged with first-degree murder and is currently held without bond. The investigation remains active, with authorities seeking to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Ruth, affectionately known as "Cornbread," was a lifelong resident of Charlotte's Hidden Valley community. Born on January 15, 1971, he attended Myers Park High School and graduated from Central Piedmont Community College. A skilled construction contractor specializing in brick masonry and floor tiling, Ruth was also known for his love of music, cooking, sports, and gardening. He often deejayed and cooked for community events, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Funeral services were held on November 30, 2024, at New Waves of Joy Baptist Church in Charlotte, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Ruth, seeking justice and answers as the investigation proceeds. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact CMPD or Crime Stoppers.
