News Summary
The Charlotte community is outraged following the rejection of a plea deal in the case concerning the disappearance of Andy Tench. As his family demands justice, evidence links defendant D’Shaun Robinson to the case, raising community support for thorough investigations. The situation draws attention to the impact of Tench’s case on the community as hope for answers remains.
Charlotte Community Reacts Angrily to Plea Deal Rejection in Andy Tench Case
In the heart of Charlotte, the disappearance of Andy Tench has shaken the community to its core. After a night of celebration for his 31st birthday on March 25, Tench has vanished, leaving loved ones desperate for answers. The case has taken a shocking turn recently, as the Mecklenburg District Attorney’s Office offered a controversial plea deal to defendant D’Shaun Robinson, which has sparked outrage among Tench’s family and supporters.
The Case of Disappearance
Tench was last seen after enjoying a night out at a local bar, but the night ended in tragedy. It was revealed that Robinson, the 26-year-old defendant, confessed to stealing Tench’s wallet and car, claiming to have disposed of Tench’s body in a dumpster. To add to the distress, Robinson used Tench’s bank card for purchases following the incident. Unfortunately, Tench’s body remains missing, making it impossible for authorities to charge Robinson with murder. His current charges include concealing a death, identity theft, financial card theft, financial card fraud, car theft, and some misdemeanors.
The Plea Deal Controversy
The plea deal proposed by prosecutors aimed to seek a sentence for just three offenses: concealing and failing to report a death, identity theft, and second-degree burglary. However, the family of Andy Tench took a stand against this deal, voicing their frustration and demanding justice for their beloved family member. Their outcry prompted Mecklenburg District Judge Craig Collins to reject the plea deal after hearing powerful victim-impact statements from Tench’s family.
A Family’s Pain
The anguish of Tench’s family was palpable throughout this ordeal. Tench’s sister, who passionately spoke out against the plea offer, highlighted Robinson’s criminal past and shared her disappointment about how the case was being handled. Tench’s mother voiced the family’s need for closure and criticized the way Robinson treated her son’s remains, reinforcing the sense of injustice surrounding the situation.
Linking Robinson to the Crime
Evidence has demonstrated troubling connections between Robinson and Tench’s disappearance. Surveillance footage captured Robinson using Tench’s credit card at various stores, solidifying his involvement in the case. Initially, Robinson told police that he and Tench had left the bar for a sexual encounter, during which Tench allegedly died from an overdose. In a panic, he disposed of Tench’s body but soon led investigators on a wild chase as searches in local dumpsters turned up empty.
The Search for Tench
Despite relentless searches, workers at the landfill where Robinson claimed to have dumped Tench’s body reported seeing no sign of him. The family, distraught and desperate, pleaded for further investigations into the case, hoping to locate their missing loved one.
What Lies Ahead
In a further twist, while searching Robinson’s home, police discovered a machete-style knife, which has raised even more questions about the circumstances surrounding Tench’s disappearance. The Mecklenburg District Attorney, realizing the gravity of the situation, plans to bring the case before another judge for additional proceedings. The stakes are high, as Robinson could potentially face up to 118 months in prison for the charges he currently faces. In comparison, the rejected plea deal would have allowed him to serve as little as 23 months.
A Rallying Cry for Justice
In a show of support for Andy Tench, family and advocates gathered in rallies wearing shirts dedicated to him, demanding justice and encouraging more thorough investigations into his disappearance. The Charlotte community continues to be on high alert, hoping for progress as the story unfolds. Andy’s case remains a tragic reminder of the impact one individual’s disappearance can have on a whole community, highlighting the urgent need for justice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Andy Tench Missing Case
- Charlotte Observer: Andy Tench Plea Deal Outrage
- WSOC TV: Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plea Bargaining
- QC News: Former Teacher Accepts Plea Deal
- Google Search: Missing Person Cases
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
