Crime
Suspect in Deadly York County Police Shooting Identified as 24-year-old Matthew Ruth
NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Court documents are shedding new light on events that unfolded just one day before a deadly shooting in York County that left three police officers and the suspected gunman dead, and two additional officers critically wounded.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a farm property after a woman reported that a man, dressed in camouflage and carrying binoculars, was seen looking into her home through a window.
The woman told investigators she spotted the man on her driveway through a trail camera system installed on the property.
When an officer responded, the suspect was no longer at the scene.
However, the officer did locate a black 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck parked along the roadside near a wooded area.
The woman informed police she believed the intruder may have arrived in that vehicle.
The officer then spoke with a mother and daughter who lived at the property.
The daughter revealed that on August 20, her own pickup truck had been set on fire while parked in the driveway. She told investigators she suspected her ex-boyfriend at the time but declined to pursue an investigation.
The mother later provided officers with a still image from the trail camera, showing a man dressed in full camouflage standing behind the daughter’s vehicle.
In the photo, the individual appeared to be looking through a scope-like device pointed at the residence.
The daughter subsequently identified the man in the photo as her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ruth, clarifying that their relationship had been brief and that he had never been invited to her home.
Investigators reviewing the photo also noted that Ruth had an AR-15 style rifle slung across his chest while observing the residence.
Police launched a search for Ruth that day but were unable to locate him.
Based on the evidence, officers filed the affidavit and sought a warrant for Ruth’s arrest on multiple charges, including stalking, loitering and prowling at night, and criminal trespass.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Ruth was involved in the September 17 shooting that killed three officers and wounded two others.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.