Luther Sterling Blakely, 43, of Winston-Salem, died from a gunshot wound at a residence on Lynn Forest Drive in Rural Hall on February 22, 2025. Deputies responded to a report of a firearm discharge around noon and found Blakely suffering from the wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving attempts.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office arrested 65-year-old Gregory Franklin Hanes of Tobaccoville in connection with the shooting. Hanes was charged with felony murder and booked into the Forsyth County Detention Center without bond. His initial court appearance was scheduled for February 24, 2025, where bail was denied; a subsequent hearing was set for March 13.

The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.