Greensboro – Jose Cristian Bravo-Martinez Arrested After Series of Crimes and Two Deadly Shootings in Greensboro
Greensboro, NC – Jose Cristian Bravo-Martinez, a suspect in a series of armed robberies and two fatal shootings within a span of one week, was apprehended on November 23 after a manhunt that began following the tragic death of Derrick Lamont Leach. The unfolding events have left the Greensboro community shocked, grappling with the sudden escalation of violence in the area.
Authorities reported that the events began early Sunday morning with a vehicle theft. Jose Cristian Bravo-Martinez allegedly used a semiautomatic pistol to forcefully take a car, then went on to rob four individuals of their cell phones. The string of robberies prompted law enforcement to act quickly. Deputies located him driving the stolen vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 10:16 a.m. on November 23. While he briefly fled, officers apprehended him near Colfax, concluding a tense pursuit that had endangered the public and highlighted the urgency of the situation.
The arrest came in the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Derrick Lamont Leach. Leach’s body was discovered at 7:49 a.m. on Boylston Road, prompting an intensive investigation. Within hours, authorities linked Bravo-Martinez to Leach’s death and charged him with murder. The speed with which law enforcement connected the suspect to this tragedy underscores the meticulous investigation conducted by local police and sheriffs’ deputies.
Later that same day, at 8:06 p.m., Greensboro police announced that Bravo-Martinez was also the suspect in the November 16 shooting death of Joaquin Gabriel Hernandez on Upland Drive. Hernandez’s killing, occurring just a week prior, had already sent shockwaves through the community, and the revelation that both homicides involved the same individual intensified public concern. The back-to-back nature of the crimes has left families and neighbors struggling to comprehend the escalation of violence within such a short period.
The Greensboro community continues to reel from the impact of these events, mourning the losses of Derrick Lamont Leach and Joaquin Gabriel Hernandez. Family members have shared memories of the victims’ kindness, humor, and the ways they enriched the lives of friends and loved ones. Social media and local gatherings have become spaces for reflection, remembrance, and communal support, as residents come together to honor their lives and offer comfort to those grieving.
Authorities have not released a motive for the shootings, emphasizing that court proceedings are pending and that investigations remain ongoing. Law enforcement continues to collect evidence and review statements, ensuring that all facets of the case are thoroughly examined. The arrests and charges, however, mark a critical step in addressing the violent incidents and providing a sense of accountability for the affected families.
Greensboro mourns the profound loss of Derrick Lamont Leach and Joaquin Gabriel Hernandez, honoring their lives while awaiting justice. The tragic series of events serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, the swift escalation of violence, and the importance of community support in times of crisis. The city continues to stand with the families, neighbors, and friends affected by these back-to-back tragedies.