The man who killed a Bladenboro resident in a drive-by shooting will serve up to 28 years in prison.
Daniel Autry pleaded guilty today (Nov. 4) in front of Chief Superior Court Judge Ashley Gore to charges of second degree murder and firing into an occupied dwelling. Gore sentenced Autry to 23 to 28.67 years in prison. The plea took place in Bladen County Superior Court.
On Jan. 23, 2023, Jerry Edward Martin was shot to death in his home on The Hadd Road near Bladenboro, according to testimony. Autry fired multiple shots that struck the home and a vehicle.
When the family was unable to contact Martin, 61, for several days, a neighbor checked on the victim. The neighbor and the victim’s son forced their way into the home and found Martin dead inside.
Autry and other codefendants were tied to the crime after it was determined Autry had a previous dispute with the victim, the District Attorney’s office said.
The state was represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Allan Adams and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Hunt. Det. Jennifer Popynick with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office lead the investigation with the assistance of the Fayetteville Police Department, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
