Martin gets death penalty, and 'deserves it,' prosecutor says

WARREN

David Martin was sentenced to the death penalty and 61 years in prison Wednesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Andrew Logan on Wednesday affirmed the death-penalty recommendation made by a jury last week. The same jury found Martin guilty of aggravated murder and other crimes two weeks ago for killing Jeremy Cole, 21, and attempting to kill Melissa Putnam in September 2012.

The 61 years in prison were imposed for attempted aggravated murder, two counts each of aggravated robbery and kidnapping, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence.

Martin, 30, of Cleveland, has spent nearly his entire adult life locked up in jails or prisons. According to records from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Martin has been out of prison less than a year since getting arrested for his first adult felony in July 2001, when he was 16.

Martin did not speak before the sentence was handed down, though Chris Becker, assistant county prosecutor, asked Martin heatedly if he had “something to say” because of hand gestures and comments Martin apparently cast in Becker’s direction earlier in the hearing.

Martin declined to say anything back to Becker or to give a statement to the court. His attorneys said Martin’s unsworn statement and apology for the crimes at the end of the trial would suffice.

“The death penalty is the ultimate penalty for the ultimate crime, and he deserves it,” Becker said after the sentencing.

Amy Biles of Warren, sister of Jeremy Cole, said she believes Martin “got what he deserves,” though she forgives Martin because her religious beliefs require that.

Read more about the hearing in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.