In the quiet town of Pembroke, Kentucky, a horrific tragedy shattered the community on November 19, 2015. On that day, 58-year-old Pamela J. Phillips was found dead, the victim of a brutal triple homicide that also claimed the lives of her husband, Calvin Phillips, and their neighbor, Edward Dansereau. The gruesome discovery was made when the bodies of Pamela and Dansereau were found inside a burned-out car in a field on Rosetown Road.
Both had been shot before the vehicle was set ablaze.
The investigation into the shocking crime led authorities to the Phillips' home on South Main Street, where they discovered Calvin Phillips' body in the basement. He had also been shot to death. The violent end to three lives sent ripples of fear and disbelief through the small town, prompting a complex and lengthy investigation to bring the person responsible to justice.
Years after the murders, a suspect emerged: Christian 'Kit' Martin, a neighbor of the Phillips family and a U.S. Army major. The motive appeared to be linked to a court-martial case against Martin, in which Calvin Phillips was scheduled to testify. Investigators believed that Martin committed the murders to prevent this testimony.
Following a thorough investigation by the Kentucky State Police, Christian 'Kit' Martin was arrested and charged with the three murders. The subsequent trial brought to light the chilling details of the crime. In June 2021, a jury found Martin guilty on three counts of murder, as well as other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison, bringing a measure of closure to the families of the victims and the community of Pembroke.
