Former soldier convicted in death of pregnant teen
Associated Press
WAYNESVILLE, Mo. - A former Fort Leonard Wood soldier has been convicted in the death of a pregnant teen whose body was found in the trunk of a burned car.
Pulaski County jurors convicted Luther D. Martin, 25, on Tuesday of two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Jerae James, 17, and her unborn child.
On Wednesday, jurors began hearing testimony in the sentencing phase of the death-penalty trial, hearing from James' mother about the effect of the killing on her family, from relatives of Martin and from jailers who said he was a model inmate.
Prosecutors said James died on Oct. 7, 2001, after she was stuffed in the trunk. The car, which was set on fire with pages from a military operations manual, was discovered two days later in a field next to a water treatment plant.
Police believe James, who was 7-months pregnant, died from smoke inhalation because the fire burned out before it reached the trunk.
At the time of the killing, Martin was a member of the 5th Engineer Battalion stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. Two other former soldiers also were arrested in the case.
One, Stephen V. Ragas, 24, of New Orleans, La., faces two counts of first-degree murder. Another soldier was released from jail in April because there wasn't enough evidence to link him to the crime.
During Martin's trial, prosecutors presented evidence that his fingerprints were found in the car along with a phone bill in his name.
But defense attorneys argued Martin may have been framed. They also sought to implicate a fourth man, who has not been charged in the killings.
Colleen Stevens, a friend of the James family who is serving as their spokeswoman, said the family was pleased by the murder verdict and hopes the jury decides that Martin should be sentenced to death.
"It's been five years, it's been a long time coming, and it's overdue," Stevens said.
Information from: Waynesville Daily Guide, http://www.waynesvilledailyguide.com
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