Audio from Court TV
After a lengthy trial in June where he was found guilty in the deaths of three neighbors in Pembroke, Christian “Kit” Martin was sentenced to life in prison Thursday in Christian Circuit Court.
It was a full court room during the final sentencing, where defense attorney Tom Griffiths informed the court they will be appealing the case to the Kentucky Supreme Court, as they felt the jury was wrong to find Martin guilty.
Judge John Atkins sentenced Martin to life in prison without the possibility of parole, upholding the jury’s recommendation. The Commonwealth requested that two family members of the victims—Calvin and Pamela Phillips and Ed Dansereau—be allowed to speak during the hearing but Judge Atkins denied them, saying he is very aware of their feelings, since they gave victim impact statements at trial and wrote very comprehensive letters.
Martin has 30 days to file a motion to appeal, but his attorneys told the court they would be filing the appropriate paperwork that day, and requested that the evidence in the case be preserved in the event of post-conviction relief.
Martin’s lawyers filed a motion recently to overturn the verdict or for a new trial, but both requests were denied. Martin was found guilty on all counts, which also include arson, attempted arson, tampering with evidence and burglary.
Before final sentencing, protestors stood outside the Justice Center, waving and holding signs that demanded justice for Martin, as they feel he is innocent of the crimes.
