On the evening of June 7, 2024, at about 10 p.m., Gaston County Police responded to a shooting near Pine Street and Shamrock Road in Gastonia, North Carolina. Officers found two people with gunshot wounds; both were taken to a hospital, and 38-year-old Ronnie Ray Welch died of his injuries. The second victim was reported in stable condition.

Investigators have identified a juvenile suspect; because of the suspect’s age authorities have not released a name or detailed charge information. Police say all individuals involved have been identified and that there is no ongoing threat. The circumstances leading up to the shooting and the relationship, if any, between Welch, the other injured person, and the juvenile suspect remain under investigation.

Welch, born August 11, 1985, was known as Ronnie Ray Welch Sr., worked at Custom Mills Cabinetry Inc., loved motorcycles and spending time with family, and is survived by his wife Shelly Welch, children Ronnie Ray Welch Jr. and Madison Dawn Welch, his parents Diane Renee Weaver and Larry Welch, and other relatives. A GoFundMe titled Assist the Welch Family in Their Time of Need was set up to help cover funeral costs.

If anyone has information that could help the investigation, contact Detective S. Brogden at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.