WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem's first homicide of 2023 was resolved Tuesday in the Forsyth County Superior Court.
Rick Monroe Jr. pled guilty to the death of 25-year-old Dasia Gentry. He was sentenced to 6-8 years in prison.
Rick Monroe Jr. pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The State pursued the most serious charges supported by the facts and evidence of this case.
Gentry's death was tragic however there was no evidence the defendant acted with premeditation or malice.
Monroe has been in custody at the Forsyth County Jail since his arrest in January 2023.
On January 1, 2023, Gentry and Monroe were dating. According to District Attorney Jim O'Neill, the couple was celebrating the New Year at the Microtel Inn in Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem police responded to the hotel where Gentry was left unconscious in the room. When they arrived, they found her with a gunshot to the head. Despite life-saving measures, Gentry died at the scene.
Investigators learned that Monroe was impaired during New Year's festivities at the hotel and was recklessly handling a gun when discharged and hit Gentry one time. They said Monroe left the scene and turned himself to the police.
Monroe was a record level III for felony sentencing purposes, with prior convictions including felony theft of a motor vehicle. felony possession of stolen property and several other misdemeanor offenses.
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