By Erie365NewsWriter 
Authorities say the Pennsylvania domestic violence shooting that claimed the lives of three detectives began with stalking and threats. Matthew James Ruth, 24, had been wanted for stalking his ex-girlfriend, prowling around her home, and trespassing. When officers returned to the woman’s home Wednesday to protect her, they were met with deadly gunfire.
Officers Walked Into a Planned Ambush
The front door of the home had been left unlocked, a red flag since the woman and her mother had locked it when they left. As soon as police entered, Ruth opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle, striking five officers. Three detectives, Cody Becker, Mark Baker, and Isaiah Emenheiser, were killed. Two others remain in critical condition.
Suspect Was Armed and Lying in Wait
Investigators believe Ruth was waiting inside the home specifically to ambush police. Trail cameras previously caught him prowling in camouflage gear, armed with the same type of weapon used in the ambush. Ruth also killed the family’s dog, a black Labrador retriever. Authorities believe the ex-girlfriend and her mother would have been killed had they arrived before police.
Violence Fueled by Obsession
According to officials, Ruth had dated the woman briefly but had never been invited to her home. Despite that, he repeatedly returned to stalk her. In one earlier incident, her truck had been set on fire, and she suspected Ruth. The Pennsylvania domestic violence shooting is being called a tragic example of how domestic abuse can escalate into deadly violence.
Remembering the Fallen
District Attorney Tim Barker vowed not to mention Ruth’s name again, saying the focus should be on the lives lost. He called the officers’ actions heroic, noting they gave their lives trying to protect others. The investigation into how Ruth legally acquired his firearms is ongoing.