MEDIA RELEASE
Homicide Investigation
September 3, 2023
On September 2, 2023, at 8:08 p.m., the Martinsville-Henry County 911 Communication Center received a call from a male subject at 4571 Irisburg Road, Axton, Virginia. The caller stated that he had just shot and killed his boyfriend. Deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the deputies located a deceased male who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The deceased male was identified as Bryant Richard Robinson, 36, of 145 Oriole Dr., Stoneville, North Carolina.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Robinson and John Brooks, the caller, were in a relationship. During the evening, the two began to argue. Eventually, the argument became physical, and Mr. Brooks grabbed a firearm and shot Mr. Robinson. Mr. Brooks was still present when deputies arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Mr. Robinson’s body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, Virginia, where an autopsy will be performed.
John Andrew Brooks, 59, of 4571 Irisburg Road, Axton, Virginia, was charged with Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. He was transported to the Henry County Adult Detention Center, where he is held without bond.
This investigation is ongoing, anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2500.00 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
Sheriff Wayne Davis
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
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