US marshals seek murder suspect with ties to Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. marshals are seeking the public’s help in their search for a North Carolina man accused of killing a delivery truck driver during a robbery in Philadelphia last year.

Rodney Shelton is wanted in connection with the June 2015 shooting death of 63-year-old Thomas Childs during a robbery at a loading dock. Prosecutors said they believe that Shelton escaped with less than $20.

“Rodney Shelton’s blatant disregard for human life has made this case a top priority for us,” U.S. Marshal David B. Webb of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said in a news release. “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 believe that Shelton might have fled the Philadelphia area soon after the crime, but he could “be hiding in plain sight.”

“Since he has been on the run for more than a year, he may have changed his appearance and his locale to stay under the radar,” said Webb. “He could be anywhere.”

Shelton is 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighs about 170 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair. He also has numerous tattoos, including on his head, neck and left hand, and might even be working as a tattoo artist. Shelton has personal ties in Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

“Because of the callous nature of this crime, Shelton should be considered armed and dangerous,” said Webb.

A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered for information leading to Shelton’s arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

Cox Media Group