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Convicted murderer Jerry Martin wants parole!

- Judge to hand down decision on April 3
Martin in the prison van on March 28, 2012. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Jerry Martin, who was convicted in the High Court five years ago today for the murder of a man en route to the TB Lettsome International Airport, is now seeking eligibility for parole.

Serving a life sentence for the shooting to death of Rolland Serrano in 2005, Martin’s lawyer Patrick Thompson made an application before Judge Rita Olivetti yesterday March 28, 2012 for him to be up for parole after serving 20 to 25 years.

Martin on March 29, 2007 was convicted for the murder of Rolland Serrano, a business man operating the Puerto Rico Lottery in the Virgin Islands. The deceased was shot outside of his apartment building at Sea Cows Bay on the morning of September 15, 2005, during a robbery. He was on his way to the airport. Serrano died from his gunshot wound on October 10, 2005.

Prior to his death as a result of pulmonary embolism - a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream embolism – Serrano was paralysed.

In his submission to the Court, Thompson pointed out that from the Social Inquiry report, his client was a school dropout and observed that it’s a disturbing trend that most of the young men, who have flouted the law, did not finish school.

The defense lawyer also indicated that Martin had a substance abuse problem. Thompson informed the court that Martin is remorseful for what happened on that fateful morning on September 15, 2005 and that his client intends to pursue his studies in prison.

Meanwhile, Principal Crown Counsel, Tiffany Scatliffe, revealed to the court that Martin has a previous conviction and is serving an additional 18 years for attempted murder. According to her, that shows he has a propensity to kill and recommended that he serves those years in full before even being considered for parole.

Scatliffe also told the court that a letter from the Serrano’s family has indicated that they have not forgiven Martin for his death.

After listening to both sides, Judge Olivetti reserved her decision for April 3, 2012.

15 Responses to “Convicted murderer Jerry Martin wants parole!”

  • polo (29/03/2012, 08:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leave that bouy way he is Judge
  • christopher (29/03/2012, 08:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How is Mr.Martin eligible for parole for murder. He haven't even completed his sentence for attempted murder for a separate crime. So my question is if he is eligible for parole in 30 years would that 30 year be after he completed his 18 year sentence.
  • S (29/03/2012, 09:52) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Judge, please leave Jerry in jail until he die. Jerry is pure problems from school.
  • SKA (29/03/2012, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    he's a "stain on the fabric of our society" life in prison is justice. Let's not forget he was on bail for his attempted murder charge when he Murdered Rolland!
  • Village Girl (29/03/2012, 13:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He took a life for no reason…Roland could never come back so let him stay locked up.
  • Notes...... (29/03/2012, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    '...........Serving a life sentence for the shooting to death of Rolland Serrano in 2005,........' isn't life sentence life........??? don't need no more murders on this street
  • ReX FeRal (29/03/2012, 15:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He need to say who was with him the morninghe shot Ro.
  • jog (29/03/2012, 15:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No judge will give him anything. He is crazy after 5 years he expecting parole??? This is sick thinking.
  • Colombine (29/03/2012, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This guy is a career criminal that got away with too much. He should eligible for parole in 60 years
  • egg face (29/03/2012, 23:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am confused about the eligibility under the parole act!!
  • ... (30/03/2012, 01:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    All murderers need to stay in the ghut. Take the key and lock them up, then throw away the key.
    • street man (30/03/2012, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i agree....he should not get out to be on the streets casuing isses
  • Serrano's Sister and family (30/03/2012, 20:59) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    On behalf of Roland Serrano our family would like to thank the public for your support. It was a shocker to learn that Jerry Martin wanted a reduce sentence. The idea of possible parole for Jerry Martin make our family sick. The thought of a criminal with such an extensive criminal history could possibly one day be considered for parole is out outrageous. The citizens of the BVI should see if it is possible to revise the parole act so they can keep first degree convicted killers in Prison for life with no possibility of parole. The only thing good about this is situation is that every one can see his picture so that when he is out and about and possibly on work release you can be aware of him. Once again thank you for your support and I hope that our Honorable Justice will stand firm with her original sentence.
  • Bronx Girl (12/04/2013, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let him rot in prison where he belongs. Roland Serrano was a goodman and his family misses him dearly. Nobody will miss that scum Martin


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