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In a Mecklenburg County courtroom, D’Shaun Montrell Robinson pleaded guilty to charges related to Tench’s disappearance and death.
Robinson entered a guilty plea on Thursday morning, July 31, to concealing/failing to report a death, identity theft, and burglary before a judge.
Multiple family members of Tench were present on Thursday and spoke during the hearing, delivering emotional statements as they faced Robinson.
Robinson pleaded guilty in what’s referred to as an ‘open plea,’ meaning the judge had total discretion on the sentencing, handing down Robinson 13-25 months for burglary and 17-30 months on identity theft and concealment of death.
Tench’s mother told Queen City News on Thursday that it’s not enough, because she believes her son was killed.
“A lifetime wouldn’t be enough, because he took Andy’s life, and yet he gets to keep living, whether it’s behind prison walls or what, his family can go visit him, and we still can’t go visit my son,” Tracie Blanton said to Queen City News.
Robinson previously faced a wide range of charges, including felony larceny and obtaining property by false pretenses, but those were dismissed as part of a plea agreement accepted by the court on Thursday, months after a previous deal had been rejected.
A long road for the Tench family
Tench was reported missing in March 2024 and had last been seen in Charlotte, sparking concern in the surrounding community. His car was found abandoned in Monroe.
Robinson was eventually taken into custody for questioning in connection with Tench’s disappearance. Investigators later revealed that Robinson had admitted to disposing of Tench’s body in a trash bin — news that left the family heartbroken and desperate for answers.
In March 2025, Robinson attempted to plead guilty; however, that deal was rejected by the judge at the time, leaving the case in limbo and prolonging the family’s wait for resolution until July.
Questions remain
Tench’s body has never been recovered, and family members said they are left wondering where his body was placed and why.
For now, the Tench family is holding onto the small measure of justice they received on Thursday, even as they continue to mourn the man they lost far too soon.
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