24-Year-Old Matthew Ruth Identified as Gunman Who Killed Three Officers During Domestic Investigation in Pennsylvania

Matthew James Ruth, 24, ambushed police officers at his ex-girlfriend’s home in York County, Pennsylvania, killing three and wounding two before being shot dead by law enforcement. The violent incident has shocked the local community and drawn widespread attention.

Officials say Ruth had been under investigation for stalking and trespassing before the shooting. The night before the ambush, he was reportedly seen outside the home with a rifle. His ex-girlfriend and her mother had left the property earlier for safety, locking up as they left. They reported fearing for their lives after spotting Ruth near the house several times.

The next afternoon, police arrived at the home. The door was found unlocked despite the earlier warnings. When officers opened the door to enter, Ruth opened fire with an AR-15 rifle equipped with a suppressor. Three of the officers died in the initial exchange. Two others were injured in the shooting. Authorities say Ruth was killed in the gunfire that followed.

The victims have been identified as Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker, and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser. All three were members of the Northern York County Regional Police Department. The injured officers are being treated in hospital; their condition has been described as serious but stable.

Neighbors described the area as quiet farmland until the violence erupted. One neighbor said police visited Ruth’s home twice in a single day, gathering evidence. Another neighbor said Ruth had participated in local fundraisers in the past, making the event even harder to believe for many in the community.

Pennsylvania’s governor, as well as local leaders, have expressed sorrow and called the day one of the most tragic in recent memory for local law enforcement. The deaths have stirred debates about stalking laws, response to domestic violence, and how police protect both potential victims and officers in these types of cases.

Investigators say there is more to find out. They continue to examine the timeline, the suspect’s background, and how law enforcement responded. The community has started laying tributes for the fallen officers, bringing public grief into sharp relief for many.