Franklinton Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

DeMontez Martin (20) of Franklinton, has pleaded guilty to shooting and killing Erick Warren (17) in Franklinton on July 10, 2014.  He was sentenced by Judge Martin Coady to 20 years in prison with eight years suspended.  The victim's family indicated they supported the plea agreement. 

One witness told Franklinton Police that Martin brought a shotgun and a pistol with him and that Martin and Warren got into a verbal disagreement over how to replace the stock on the shotgun. According to the witness, Martin picked up the pistol, waved it around, and pointed it at several people, before firing one shot at Warren. Martin then fled the house with his girlfriend and hid the weapons.

Martin, who turned himself in to police about five hours later, told police that Warren was like a brother to him and that the shooting was an accident. He said the pistol belonged to Warren, who was playing with it. Martin said he took the pistol from Warren, removed the clip and was trying to get the bullet out of the chamber when Warren reached for the gun. The gun went off accidentally, Martin said.