Daniel Perez Martinez, a 31-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically shot to death in his home in Arcola, North Carolina, on October 11, 2014. The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. in the 2200 block of NC Highway 43. According to reports, two men entered the home, struck one of the tenants on the head with a gun, and then shot Martinez in his bedroom. Martinez was employed by the Arcola Lumber Company, which is located next door to his home and also owns the property.
Following the incident, the Warren County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the State Bureau of Identification, launched an investigation to identify the suspects. On October 16, 2014, authorities arrested 24-year-old Rance Jerome Richardson and 17-year-old Luchano Jared Johnston in connection with the murder. Both suspects were charged with first-degree murder and were held without bond. Significant evidence was found during the search of their homes in Hollister, North Carolina.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had entered the home through the back and attacked one of the three tenants before shooting Martinez. The motive for the crime remains unclear, and investigators did not provide a description of the two men or speculate on a possible motive. The Warren County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from the public to aid in the investigation.
