SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Newly released court documents reveal additional details about what investigators say led to a deadly shooting inside a Scranton apartment last month.
Ricardo Nunez Cruz, also known as “Nolo,” is charged with criminal homicide in the July 17 death of Clinton Thornton-Hill, who police say was known as “Money.” The charges also include aggravated assault, tampering with physical evidence, carrying a firearm without a license and recklessly endangering another person.
Scranton police responded to 313 North Hyde Park Avenue after receiving a report of shots fired. Officers found Thornton-Hill on the floor of a second-floor apartment, bleeding from his head and abdomen. He was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
According to an affidavit of probable cause that had previously been sealed, investigators allege an argument over money preceded the shooting.
One cooperating witness told detectives Thornton-Hill owed Nunez Cruz $60 for drugs. Another witness said the two men were arguing over either $60 or $160 and heard Nunez Cruz repeatedly demand the money before gunfire erupted.
Investigators said surveillance video from the property captured audio of two gunshots, with a pause between them. Seconds later, video allegedly showed Nunez Cruz running from the rear of the residence, across North Hyde Park Avenue and continuing north.
One witness told detectives he heard what sounded like a fight in the living room followed by two pops. He then allegedly saw Thornton-Hill lying on the floor while Nunez Cruz ran from the house, according to the affidavit.
Another witness provided investigators with a more detailed account, alleging that after hearing the first gunshot, he saw Nunez Cruz and Thornton-Hill wrestling over a firearm.
The witness told police a second shot was fired and alleged Nunez Cruz then repeatedly struck Thornton-Hill in the head with the handgun. The witness estimated Thornton-Hill was struck more than six times before Nunez Cruz fled the apartment on foot.
Police said surveillance footage showed the alleged shooter run toward a wooden fence after leaving the apartment and discard a firearm.
Detectives searched that area and recovered a purple SCCY CPX-2 9mm handgun that appeared to have fresh blood on it, according to the affidavit. Investigators also recovered two 9mm shell casings and two projectiles from inside the apartment.
An autopsy determined Thornton-Hill suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen and a severe laceration to the front of his head. Investigators said the bullet traveled through his liver and intestinal tract, causing significant bleeding and hemorrhagic shock.
The Lackawanna County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide caused by the abdominal gunshot wound.
Court records show authorities initially sought to keep the arrest warrant and supporting documents sealed while they searched for Nunez Cruz, citing the ongoing homicide investigation and concerns for cooperating witnesses.
Nunez Cruz was arrested Monday in connection with the killing.