Brandon Martin
Macon County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended a man wanted for murder in Florida at a residence in Franklin on Dec. 3.
According to MCSO reports, detectives from the Alachua County, Florida, sheriff’s department reached out to deputies in Macon County after receiving information that Brandon Martin, 31, may be running from the law in Macon County where he had previously resided.
Florida detectives believe that Martin was responsible for the death of Annette A Miller, 24, Martin’s previous girlfriend, on Dec. 2. Miller was found deceased in her residence and it was later determined that her death was the result of a gunshot wound.
“We were notified that Martin had connections in Macon County and that the victim’s vehicle was missing from her residence,” Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland said. “Detectives conducted surveillance and subsequently located (Martin) at a Harrison Avenue home in Franklin. Members of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team made entry of the residence and were able to take Martin into custody without incident,”
Detectives believe that Martin returned to Macon County to potentially see a girlfriend who lives in the area. It was determined that the girlfriend was not aware of the Florida homicide or Martin’s return to North Carolina.
MCSO deputies ultimately located Miller’s stolen car at a Park and Ride near the intersection of US 441 and Sanderstown Road. A firearm detectives believe to have been used in the homicide was later recovered under a home in Franklin.
Martin was officially charged with the Florida homicide on Dec. 7. He is currently being held without bond at the Macon County Detention Center while he awaits extradition.
“Extraditing a prisoner is a process that can take several days, or even weeks, if the suspect challenges the extradition,” Holland said. “Following his arrest, Martin has been cooperative with investigators so we don’t anticipate there being any issues with his extradition.”
Holland recognized the coordinated effort between his staff, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin Police Department in apprehending Martin before he continued his run from the law.
“This was outstanding police work by all involved,” Holland said. “Officers with Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin Police Department worked tirelessly throughout the day with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office to locate Martin. The dedication and perseverance of these officers potentially saved the life of a girlfriend and helped ensure that any bad intentions that he may have had, would not be carried out.”