Alpharetta Man Sentenced to Life After Pleading Guilty in 2021 Norcross Hotel Shooting

GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia – An Alpharetta man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty in the May 2021 shooting death of 45-year-old Enrique Romero Sanchez at a Norcross hotel.

Demetrius Tyree Martin, 38, pleaded guilty to felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault, accepting responsibility for the shooting and agreeing to serve a life sentence.

The shooting occurred May 8, 2021, following a series of arguments between Martin and his girlfriend at the hotel. Authorities said Martin accused her of flirting with a man staying in a room upstairs from theirs. Prosecutors said Martin left the property, obtained a pistol-rifle with an extended barrel and ammunition magazine, and returned to the hotel.

Surveillance video showed Martin knocking on multiple doors on the upper level before walking to a curb across from Room 229, where Sanchez and Francisco Garcia Carmona were staying. Prosecutors said neither man knew Martin or had any prior interaction with him.

After standing outside for several minutes, Martin fired 17 rounds into the room, killing Sanchez and wounding Carmona, according to authorities. Martin then fled the scene.

The Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office said it remains committed to standing with victims and holding violent offenders accountable. Under the leadership of District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson, the office said it continues to pursue justice with a focus on public safety.