Triple murder defendant Christian “Kit” Martin took the stand in his own defense Tuesday and denied killing his neighbors and having any knowledge about who did.
After Martin’s testimony, the defense rested its case with jury deliberations likely to begin in Hardin County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Martin is accused of the November 2015 murders of Calvin and Pamela Phillips and their neighbor Ed Dansereau in Pembroke. Calvin Phillips was found shot in his home, while Pamela Phillips and Dansereau were discovered a few miles away in the charred remains of a car.
Martin was asked point-blank by his attorney Tom Griffiths if he killed his neighbors.
click to download audioThe Army had charged Martin with sexual and physical abuse of three children as well as mishandling classified information. He was exonerated on the more serious charges but convicted of mishandling classified information and simple assault and was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Phillips was scheduled to be a witness in Martin’s court-martial scheduled for two weeks after the murders. However, during questioning, Martin said Phillips was going to be called as a defense witness for his side.
click to download audioTwo key pieces of evidence in the case – a shell casing and an Army dog tag with Martin’s name on it – were reportedly found after the murder by Phillips’ son and sister in the Phillips’ home. Both were turned over to investigators. Martin was asked if the dog tag was his.
click to download audioThe defense has suggested that Martin’s ex-wife Joan Harmon may have been involved in the planning and execution of the murders. Martin testified that Harmon made threats to him during an argument a year prior to the murders.
click to download audioBoth the defense and Commonwealth subpoenaed Harmon, and her son to testify in the case. Both invoked their Fifth Amendment right against potential self-incrimination and have not testified.
Closing arguments should begin Wednesday with Senior Circuit Judge John Atkins expected to give the jury its instructions before deliberations begin.
