Testimony continued Monday in the trial of Christian “Kit” Martin, the man accused of murdering three neighbors in Pembroke in November of 2015.
Christian County Sheriff’s Department Detective Mark Reid took photos at the burned car scene on Rosetown Road and testified about the discovery of the body of Calvin Phillips in a cellar at his home on South Main Street in Pembroke.
Sgt. Brandon Myers testified about collecting and logging the evidence at the crime scenes and the execution of a search warrant at Martin’s home. Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department member Phillip Peterson, Christian County Rescue Squad member Paul Rush, Christian County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Meacham were among the witnesses that afternoon.
Both the defense and Commonwealth subpoenaed Martin’s ex-wife, Joan Harmon, and her son to testify. Both invoked their Fifth Amendment right against any potential self-incrimination and a hearing was held following lunch to determine if they’d be required to appear and testify.
After initially ruling the witnesses would be required to appear, attorney Brandi Jones convinced Judge John Atkins that case law supported her client’s right to invoke.
Christian County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Noisworthy took the stand in the afternoon and public defender Doug Moore questioned why they took a SWAT team to execute a search warrant on Martin’s residence, when they knew he was detained at that time.
U.S. Army Judge Advocate Major Michael Garrett was preparing for the court martial proceedings against Martin in 2015, in which Calvin Phillips was a witness, when he learned of the murders. He says he last spoke to Phillips on November 5, who expressed to him that he was concerned about what Martin might do.
Phillips was not only to be a witness against Martin, but was also to appear as a witness for the defense in the court martial proceedings, which was confirmed by Major Garrett. Trial is set to continue Tuesday morning and is expected to last the majority of June.