Suspect Arrested for Death by Distribution and 2nd Degree Murder

Rutherford County --  Press Release Rutherford County Sheriff's Office: On May 27, 2024, deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Highland Ave in reference to a possible cardiac arrest that appeared to be an overdose,

Once deputies arrived on scene they located the victim, Johnathon Pruitt, deceased in the home.  Investigators and Forensics responded and began processing the scene.

The Criminal Investigations Division began an investigation into Pruitt's death which continued throughout the following months.  During the investigation, Kenneth Ray Melton was developed as a suspect.  

On March 24, 2025, Investigators with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office A.C.E. Team began investigating the residence at 2689 Harris Henrietta Rd. due to multiple narcotics complaints.  Kenneth Ray Melton was observed leaving the residence on foot.  Investigators spoke with Melton and he gave his consent to search his person at which time multiple baggies of Fentanyl were located.  Melton was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Sch II Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He received a $30,000 secured bond on these charges.

On March 27, 2025, warrants were secured on Kenneth Ray Melton (63 years old of Mooresboro, NC) for Death by Distribution and 2nd Degree Murder.  Melton was already incarcerated at the time the warrants were secured.  He will receive a bond on these charges once he is taken before a District Court Judge later this week.

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Kenneth Ray Melton