Murder Suspect Might Be In Area – Man Has Ties to Virginia

Staff Report

The U.S. Marshals Service is asking the public for help in its search for a North Carolina man accused of killing a delivery driver during a botched robbery last year.

On June 9, 2015, Rodney Shelton, 38, of Elizabeth City, N.C., allegedly shot and killed Thomas Childs, 63, during an attempted robbery at a loading dock just west of Philadelphia, the marshals service said.

Prosecutors believe Shelton got away 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 media 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 said Shelton 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,” Webb said. “He could be anywhere.”

Shelton is black, about 5-foot-9 and weighing about 170 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair and numerous tattoos, including one on his head, neck and left hand.

Shelton, who has ties to several states including Virginia, may be working as a tattoo artist, the marshals service said.

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

A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered for information leading directly to Shelton’s arrest.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at (800) 336-0102, or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.