CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a Belmont man last month told Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police he put the man's body in the trash, according to an affidavit obtained by WCNC Charlotte.
Andy Tench was last seen several weeks ago celebrating his 31st birthday in Charlotte. Tench went to The Bar at 316 in Charlotte but never came home. His car was found abandoned in Monroe days later.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you, I'm so sorry," said Tracie Blanton, Andy's mom.
CMPD announced on Thursday that detectives searched the home of 26-year-old D'Shaun Montrell Robinson, who voluntarily went to police headquarters for an interview. Robinson was arrested following that interview and faces numerous charges in connection with Tench's disappearance. Robinson allegedly told detectives that he disposed of Tench's body in the trash and didn't notify police.
Robinson faces the following charges:
- Concealment of a death (felony)
- Identity theft (felony)
- Two felony counts of financial card theft
- Financial card fraud (felony)
- Larceny of a motor vehicle (felony)
- Three misdemeanor counts of financial card fraud
A separate affidavit alleges that Robinson used Tench's credit and debit cards at multiple businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina from March 25 until March 30. The document states that surveillance video from multiple stores caught Robinson in the act, and the items he purchased were found at his home.
On Friday, Robinson appeared in court for the first time.
During the hearing, both families were present but came together and embraced each other.
“It’s hurting two families," Natasha Newman, Tench's sister, said.
“I’m sorry, you know, I’m sorry on behalf of my son," Travis Adams, Robinson's father, said. "He made a mistake, he’s going to have to stand up to that and take ownership of it."
In their heartache, they sat inside the courtroom to hear prosecutors give details surrounding the case. The state's attorney says Tench's debit card was used at a Target after his reported disappearance. Investigators then got surveillance video and identified Robinson.
"You didn't just hurt Andy," you killed his mom too," said Blanton.
Robinson admitted to meeting Tench at a bar in Charlotte and having sex with him. Robinson says Tench died and he threw his body into a hotel dumpster.
“It’s just overwhelming information," Newman said.
Robinson's father believes other people may have been involved but tells WCNC Charlotte his son was experimenting with drugs.
“I don’t think my son could have done all of that," he said, "my son is not a killer, he’s not a killer. He doesn’t go out trying to hurt people," Adams said.
Newman says her brother was fun and caring. She asks for justice and for the community to continue to bring attention to the case.
“I just hope we get the answers, and we find him because as of right now we don’t have him," Newman said. "We don’t have a body to bring home to give him the proper burial he deserves.”
It's still unclear exactly how Tench died.
Robinson received a $200,000 bond. He's expected in court next month.
CMPD said Tench's missing person case remains active and has promised to share more information as it develops. The department also noted officers had met with Tench's family. Anyone who can help provide new details should call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600 or leave a tip online.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.