We are writing this petition not just as concerned citizens of North Carolina, but as a group deeply connected to the heart of this issue. Benji Martin Jr. is more than just a name to us; he is our brother, and while not by blood, the bond we share is unbreakable. Watching him face unjust murder charges without the necessary evidence being shared with the public has been heart-wrenching.

Benji has always been a light in our community — someone whose presence could shift the energy in a room with nothing more than a smile or one of his signature dance moves. As a proud graduate of Garner High School and later East Carolina University, he devoted years of his life to dance, performing at both schools and inspiring countless young people who saw him as proof that passion and hard work can take you far. His gift for movement wasn’t just talent; it was his way of connecting, healing, and bringing joy to everyone around him.

To the people of Garner, Raleigh, Greenville and every community he’s touched, Benji isn’t just well-known — he’s deeply loved. He’s the friend who showed up for others even when he was struggling himself, the person who made strangers feel like family within minutes, and a pillar of support for those who relied on him emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Anyone who knows him can tell you that his heart is as big as his talent, and the outpouring of support today is a reflection of the impact he’s had on all of us.

Benji stands accused of a crime eyewitness account maintains he did not commit. And even if the tapes are less than favorable the only fact right now is he went into a medical facility seeking help never intending to harm anyone. In any just society, the evidence surrounding such serious charges should be transparently shared, particularly when it involves crucial footage from hospital lobbies and body cameras. These recordings could hold the truth that confirms Benji’s innocence or guilt. But until this information is made available, it’s impossible to ensure a fair trial or public confidence in the judicial process.

In North Carolina, and indeed across the United States, citizens have the right to demand transparency in our legal systems. Transparency is not just a privilege; it’s a necessity to maintain trust in our judiciary. When evidence remains hidden from public view, it undermines our entire justice system. If wrongful convictions were to occur, they not only devastate the lives of those wrongfully accused, like Benji, but also erode public faith in our institutions.

We call on the authorities involved in Benji’s case to release the hospital lobby and body camera footage to the public. Let these pieces of evidence speak for themselves, allowing the truth to come to light. Only then can we begin to restore faith in our legal processes and ensure Benji receives the fair trial he deserves.

Join us in standing for truth and justice. Sign this petition to hold the responsible parties accountable. Demand the transparency that Benji and every person in our state deserve.

If you found this petition online please visit our Instagram page for updates and links for Benji’s story and also a GoFundMe to help his family in these uncertain times.