Full Notification

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, officers, and detectives with the Forest City Police Department took Martiece Sanford, 27 years of age, and Steve Gentry, 64 years of age, into custody for the 2019 murder of Robert Martin Blanton.
 
The initial investigation began when officers with the Forest City Police Department responded to an apartment on Big Springs Avenue on April 4, 2019, regarding a health and welfare check for the resident who had not been seen for several days. When officers arrived at the apartment, they were unable to get any response from the occupant. This lack of response resulted in the officer’s forcing entry into the home. Upon entry of the apartment Mr. Blanton was found deceased in the living area. The discovery of the victim prompted the officers to request medical personnel to respond to the apartment and they confirmed the death. During the physical examination by the Medical Examiner’s office, it was discovered that Mr. Blanton had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest. This discovery initiated a criminal investigation by the Forest City Police Department. 
 
The initial homicide investigation led to no immediate actionable information, and no immediate arrests were made. Since the time of the initial investigation detectives have continued to follow up on investigative leads. Based upon those investigative efforts information was developed, and evidence was presented to a Rutherford County Grand Jury in October of this year.
 
 Following the presentation of that evidence the Grand Jury returned True Bills of Indictment for Martiece Tequan Sanford of Forest City, NC for the offense of First-Degree Murder and Steve Gentry, also of Forest City, NC for the offense of Aiding and Abetting First-Degree Murder.
 
Both Mr. Sanford and Mr. Gentry were taken into custody without incident and are currently being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center without bond. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are asked to contact the Forest City Police Department at 828-245-5555 or provide information to the department via their mobile app Citizen Connect.