KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein announced on Friday a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of Angelo Markantonakis.
Markantonakis, 26, of Kannapolis, was shot and killed during a home invasion on Windy Rush Drive on Christmas Eve 2024.
“My son didn’t deserve to die,” said his mother, Susan Markantonakis. “He was getting ready to come to Christmas dinner at my house.”
Three masked individuals broke into his home.
Susan Markantonakis said her life has been, “Hell, absolute hell.”
Her son was shot twice and died in front of his girlfriend, Arianna Black, and their three-year-old son, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
Susan Markantonakis found a ray of hope when the reward was announced.
“I was crying, and I just thanked God that the governor did this because $25,000 is life-changing for somebody,” she said. “And I know money isn’t everything. It can’t replace my son, but if it can get people to say something and get these guys caught, I’m forever grateful.”
Susan Markantonakis hopes there is an arrest because she believes the suspects will kill again if they are not stopped.
“Being a parent that loses a child, is a club that I don’t wish upon anybody,” she said.
Susan Markantonakis wants justice.
“It’s very sad and it hurts to know that there are people out there that might know something but they just won’t say anything,” she said.
Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with relevant details to contact the Kannapolis Police Department at (704) 920-4000 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.
The announcement of the reward underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
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