Arrest made in 10-year-old Hanover murder mystery - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

Arrest made in 10-year-old Hanover murder mystery

Devion M. Gentry (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office) Devion M. Gentry (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
Russell Franklin (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office) Russell Franklin (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
Franklin's car (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office) Franklin's car (Source: Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
HANOVER, VA (WWBT) -

Ten years after a man was found shot to death in a car in Mechanicsville, Hanover County Sheriff's have made an arrest in the case.

Investigators arrested Devion M. Gentry, 32, in connection with the 2004 homicide of Russell D. Franklin. A deputy found Franklin dead of a single shot to the chest on August 14, 2004. His 1995 light blue Cadillac ran off the road and hit a fence on Old Hickory Drive at Route 360. Franklin was dead in his driver's seat.

Gentry is being held without bond at Riverside Regional Jail in Hopewell on charges of first degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 

"I'm exceptionally proud of our investigative team for their unwavering dedication to resolving this case, and I hope it will provide some level of closure for the family of Mr. Franklin," said Colonel David R. Hines, sheriff. "In addition, I hope this sends a clear message to criminals that we simply do not quit in our pursuit of justice." 

In February, detectives said Franklin met the suspect or suspects in the parking lot of a Mechanicsville daycare center the morning of the crime. They believe there was a confrontation and Franklin was probably hit by one of two shots as he tried to drive off.

Franklin left behind an son, Chance, who was only eight years old when his dad died.

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