Justin Marshall Spry, a 36-year-old white male, was tragically killed on July 11, 2019, in Asheville, North Carolina. Spry, who was known for his kind and generous spirit, was a resident of Asheville and had a passion for music, excelling as a pianist and guitarist. He was the beloved son of James and Bonni Spry and was survived by his wife, Kristi Huenefeld Spry, his parents, his brother Jay Spry, and two nephews.
On the day of his death, Spry confronted two individuals attempting to
break into his home on Reed Street in Asheville. The suspects, Marteise Javon Hines, a 25-year-old black male, and Zamar Daequan Scott, an 18-year-old black male, were trying to steal marijuana from Spry's residence. An argument ensued, and as Spry walked back towards his home, Hines shot him in the back seven times and then stabbed him with a knife taken from Spry's porch. Spry managed to call 911 to report the break-in but later stated he did not need help.
Following the incident, Hines was charged with first-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 25-31 years in state prison. Scott, who was a minor at the time, was also charged with first-degree murder, felony attempted breaking and entering, and misdemeanor possession of a handgun by a minor. Another individual, Isaac White, a 24-year-old black male, was charged with felony accessory to murder after the fact for helping Hines elude arrest.
The case highlighted the tragic consequences of violence and the impact it had on the community and Spry's family. Spry's widow, Kristi, a nurse, found her husband dying on their lawn and attempted to save him with CPR. She later recalled their mutual love of music and described Marshall as a happy person who wanted to help those in need.
