A bond hearing was set for later this month in the case against a former Fort Campbell Army major, Christian “Kit” Martin who is accused of killing a Pembroke couple and their neighbor in 2015. Martin’s bond hearing was scheduled to be held in Christian Circuit Court Thursday morning. However, Judge John Atkins advised attorneys that wasn’t going to happen due to the latest order from the Kentucky Supreme Court closing all Justice Centers statewide due to the COVID-19 outbreak. All parties appeared at Thursday’s hearing in a video conference.
Judge Atkins said attorneys had two options to hold a bond hearing – wait until the Justice Centers are reopened to the public or make arrangements for witnesses to appear via Zoom for the hearing.
Martin’s defense attorney, Doug Moore said they want to have the bond hearing by video.
After Moore consulted with his client, Judge Atkins set a target date for the bond hearing to be held on April 16 at 9:00 a.m.
Judge Atkins also heard arguments regarding a motion filed by Martin’s defense attorney, Tom Griffiths requesting they be given a bill of particulars outlining specific charges against his client. Griffiths argued that they can’t determine what the Commonwealth is alleging Martin has done from the evidence they have been given.
Assistant Attorney General Barbara Whaley argued the Commonwealth has complied with the requirements of an indictment and made clear the charges lodged against Martin, along with providing evidence to the defense.
Judge Adkins denied the defense’s motion.
Martin is charged with three counts of complicity to murder, arson, attempted arson, second-degree burglary and three counts of complicity of tampering with physical evidence. The charges are in connection to the shooting deaths of Calvin and Pam Phillips and their neighbor, Ed Dansereau in November 2015. Calvin Phillip’s body was found in his home on South Main Street, while the bodies of his wife Pam and Dansereau were found in a burned-out car in a cornfield on Rosetown Road a few miles from the victim’s homes.
No trial date has been set in the case.
