$25,000 reward offered after father shot, killed in front of NC family

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. (WJZY) — Nearly eight months after a young father was killed in his home on Christmas Eve, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Angelo Markantonakis, 26, was shot and killed during a violent home invasion on December 24, 2024, on Windy Rush Drive in Kannapolis.

Authorities said three masked suspects broke into the home where he lived with his girlfriend, Arianna Black, and their 3-year-old son. Markantonakis was shot twice and died at the scene in front of his girlfriend and child. Police said the shooting does not appear to be random.

Authorities are still searching for three suspects, all of whom were reportedly wearing masks and dark clothing:

• Suspect 1: A dark-skinned Black male, 5’8″ to 6’0″, wearing a black hoodie, black knit gloves, and a camouflage-style ski mask with green trim. Police said he was armed with a small handgun
• Suspect 2: A tall Black male, around 6 feet, dressed in all-black clothing
• Suspect 3: A light-skinned Black male, heavy-set build, 5’8″ to 6’0″, wearing a tan ski mask and a sweatshirt with no hood

So far, no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kannapolis Police Department at 704-920-4000 or the State Bureau of Investigation at 919-662-4500.