A man has been indicted by a Christian County Grand Jury and arrested on charges of three counts of murder, first-degree arson and more in connection with the 2015 murders of three people in Pembroke.
According to a news release from Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear’s office, 51-year old Christian Martin of North Carolina, formerly of Christian County, was indicted Friday in Christian County, where the indictment for murder, arson, attempted arson, first-degree burglary and three counts of tampering with physical evidence was sealed. Martin was taken into custody early Saturday morning at the Louisville International Airport with the help of the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshall’s Service and Louisville police.
The indictment stems from events that occurred on November 18, 2015, in which Calvin Phillips was found shot to death in his home located on South Main Street in Pembroke. The bodies of Pamela Phillips and their neighbor, Edward Dansereau were found a few miles away in a corn field near Rosetown Road in a burned up car owned by Mrs. Phillips.
After the murders Martin reportedly moved from Christian County to North Carolina. He was returned to Christian County to await trial. Christian Circuit Judge John Adkins has ordered Martin be held without bond.
American Airlines confirmed Martin has worked as a pilot for PSA Airlines, an American subsidiary, since January 2018. A spokesperson issued a statement to USA Today saying, “All of us at American Airlines and PSA Airlines are deeply saddened to have learned about these allegations from 2015. We have an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our customers and team members, and we will provide any investigative assistance possible to law enforcement throughout their investigation.”
Martin was a former major in the Army at Fort Campbell.
Family members of the victims are quoted as saying, “We are overwhelmed with this positive step towards resolution for people we love dearly; Cal and Pam Phillips and Ed Dansereau, and the hundreds of friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and others deeply affected by their brutal end. We look forward to justice in court, and we look forward to a verdict to bring an end to this terror, and a fresh start at healing.”
The murders were investigated by the Christian County Sheriff’s Department and Kentucky State Police.
South Main Street scene in Pembroke
Rosetown Road scene