Jon Robert Ruff Obituary, Death; Medical examiner names victim in downtown Denton shooting.

Jon Robert Ruff Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man killed in a fatal shooting on the downtown Denton Square over the weekend. According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, the deceased was 61-year-old Jon Robert Ruff. The official identification came late Monday following the completion of preliminary investigative procedures.

The Denton Police Department reported that the shooting occurred Saturday in the 200 block of West Hickory Street. Investigators said Ruff had been involved in a “disturbance” with another man prior to the gunfire. Details about what sparked the altercation remain limited, and police have not released the identity of the other man involved.

Following the incident, Ruff suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but his injuries proved fatal. The medical examiner later confirmed that his death was classified as a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. This finding formally ruled out accidental causes and established that the killing was intentional.

Police say the man who fired the shots is cooperating fully with the investigation. Authorities have not said whether the shooter has been charged or detained but noted that the inquiry is ongoing. Detectives are still working to piece together the sequence of events, interview witnesses, and gather any available surveillance footage that could provide clarity about the confrontation and shooting.

Public records from Denton County show that Ruff was originally from Mobile, Alabama. As of 2017, he had a permanent address in Denton. However, police confirmed that at the time of his death, Ruff was experiencing homelessness. Investigative notes indicate that he had been without stable housing in the Denton area since at least March 2024. It remains unclear whether his housing situation played any role in the events that led to the shooting.

Community members who frequent the downtown square described the area as generally busy, especially on weekends, and some expressed concern about the violence occurring in such a public setting. Police have not indicated that the shooting posed any ongoing danger to the public, emphasizing that the confrontation appeared to be an isolated incident between the two men.

While investigators continue to gather evidence, the Denton Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact them. They have reiterated that even small details could be important in understanding exactly what happened.

This tragic incident adds to broader discussions in Denton about public safety, homelessness, and resources for those in need. While police focus on solving the case, social services advocates stress the importance of addressing root causes that can contribute to volatile situations in the community.

For now, the investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine whether criminal charges will be filed. The cooperation of the shooter, along with forensic and witness evidence, will likely play a significant role in how the case proceeds in the coming weeks.