Closing arguments today in David Martin murder trial in Warren

WARREN — A defense attorney for David Martin told jurors this morning in closing arguments that his client did admit that he killed Jeremy Cole and injured Melissa Putnam.

And he did tell officers when they arrested him “I can accept the needle,” referring to the death penalty, but “That’s not his decision to make,” Atty. Matt Pentz said.

Martin, 29, of Cleveland, whose trial wrapped up this morning after less than three full days of testimony, will now wait for the jury of seven women and five men to reach a formal verdict later today on guilt or innocence.

But Chris Becker, assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, went ahead and focused on what is likely to come next — the penalty phase set to begin next week, where jurors will decide whether Martin should be put to death.

“We will get to the second phase,” Becker said during his closing arguments, “to make the defendant accept the punishment he says he’s willing to accept.”

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com