A North Carolina man is now facing murder charges in connection with the death of Martell Andre Lamar, whose disappearance last year sparked a multi-state investigation.
Antwaine Branch, 35, of Elizabeth City, NC, was indicted by a Virginia Beach Grand Jury on July 21, 2025 for second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Branch, who has been in custody since January, was served with the indictments on July 23.
Lamar, 42, of Currituck County, NC, was first reported missing on July 2, 2024. Investigators in Currituck linked his disappearance to a suspected shooting near the Pungo Ferry Bridge in Virginia Beach.
The Break in the Case
Virginia Beach detectives later arrested Ashley Walton, 35, also of Currituck County, on November 19, 2024, charging her with concealment of a dead body.
Less than a month later, on December 2, human remains were found near Sandy Road in Elizabeth City, NC. Testing by the North Carolina State Crime Lab confirmed in March that the remains belonged to Lamar.
Branch was charged with concealment of a body in January, but detectives continued to gather evidence for a homicide case.
Justice After a Year of Questions
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate praised the cross-border teamwork that led to the murder indictment.
“This case reflects the strength of regional collaboration and our shared commitment to justice,” Neudigate said. “We are grateful for the outstanding support from the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. Their efforts were instrumental in helping us bring a resolution to this case and justice to Mr. Lamar and his family.”
Branch remains in custody as the case moves forward. Walton’s case is still pending.