It was a case that many considered had gone cold until police arrested Lonnie Martin for allegedly killing his cousin almost 20 years ago.
Police believe Lonnie Martin pushed his 21-year-old cousin, J.B. Martin, over a bridge in 1995. J.B. was then struck by a train. They suspected foul play but didn’t have enough evidence at the time. 18 years later, Martin was questioned over another murder case. During the interview, police say he made a statement that led to an arrest for J.B.’s death.
“It was a total shock, I did not see it coming whatsoever,” said J.B.’s mother Sharlene Neal.
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“That troubles me a lot for the fact that he is a family member,” said the victim’s sister, Shannon Horn.
Martin has plead not guilty to that crime in Clark County, but he’s also facing another murder charge in Montgomery County.
The news that Lonnie Martin, a two-time murder suspect, plead not guilty to the 18-year-old case, was something the victim’s family expected.
“It wasn’t a surprise,” Horn said. “After 18 years of getting away with a crime why would you walk into court and plead guilty?”
J.B.’s family is still mourning his loss.
“There’s always going to be wounds, there’s always going to be pain and there’s always going to be hurt,” Horn said.
They say they have one question left: “Why?” But they know it’s an answer they may never get.
“I do want to look Lonnie right in the eye and let him know I am there for J,” Neal said.”The pain will never go away, but knowing there was justice for JB that helps a lot.”
“It won’t bring my brother back, but we do have the ability to say at least we know we don’t have to wonder anymore,” Horn said.
J.B.’s mother and sister plan to attend every court proceeding until a verdict is handed down.
Lonnie Martin’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 5 for a pre-trial.
