On January 1, 2023, at approximately 6:18 a.m., Winston-Salem police responded to a call regarding an unconscious female at the Microtel Inn located at 100 Capitol Lodging Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered 25-year-old Dasia Jenis Gentry in a hotel room suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving measures applied by first responders, Gentry was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident, which marked Winston-Salem's first homicide of 2023, occurred during New Year's celebrations at the hotel. Gentry was in a domestic relationship with 25-year-old Rick Monroe Jr. at the time. According to the Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill, Monroe became impaired during the festivities and was recklessly handling a firearm when it discharged, striking Gentry once in the head.
Following the shooting, Monroe fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police. He was arrested on Sunday, January 1, 2023, and charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Monroe's bond was initially set at $1,000,000, and he was scheduled to appear in court on January 3, 2023.
On November 9, 2024, Rick Monroe Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges in Forsyth County Superior Court. He was sentenced to 6-8 years in prison. The State pursued the most serious charges supported by the facts and evidence of the case. It was noted that there was no evidence suggesting Monroe acted with premeditation or malice.
The court proceedings revealed that Monroe had a criminal history, classified as a record level III for felony sentencing purposes. His prior convictions included felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony possession of stolen property, and several other misdemeanor offenses.
The tragic death of Dasia Jenis Gentry highlighted issues of domestic violence and the dangers of irresponsible firearm handling. The case resolution in 2024 brought some closure to what began as Winston-Salem's first homicide of 2023, emphasizing the importance of legal and responsible gun ownership.
