The Chilling Case of Christian “Kit” Martin: Murders, Betrayal, and a Life Behind Bars

In the year 2015, a horrifying crime shocked the small town of Pembroke, Kentucky. The bodies of Pamela Phillips and her neighbor Edward Dansereau were discovered inside a burned car, both victims of multiple gunshots. As authorities dug deeper into the case, they unearthed a web of deceit and betrayal that led them to their neighbor, Christian “Kit” Martin. In 2019, Kit Martin was finally arrested for the murders, and the motive behind his involvement sent shockwaves through the community. The gripping story of the investigation and arrest is now highlighted in the chilling episode of ‘Dateline: The Evil Watches’.

Unveiling Christian “Kit” Martin

Christian “Kit” Martin was a resident of Pembroke, Kentucky in 2015. His life was far from perfect as his second marriage with Joan Harmon-Guerra had ended in turmoil. After years together, Kit discovered that Joan was a bigamist, having been married before their union. Suspicions of an affair between Joan and their neighbor, Calvin Phillips, had also surfaced. By 2015, Joan and her children had moved out of Kit’s residence, leaving him to face the aftermath of their broken relationship.

During Joan’s departure, Calvin Phillips had assisted her with the move. In the process, they stumbled upon a military computer and disc, which contained significant information. Sensing the gravity of the discovery, they decided to report it to the police. This revelation eventually led to Kit Martin facing a court martial and being dismissed from military service. Alongside mishandling classified military information, Kit was also accused of offenses related to the sexual abuse of a minor.

On November 18, 2015, the local authorities received distressing reports about a burning car in a field near Pembroke. Upon reaching the scene, they made a gruesome discovery – the lifeless bodies of Pamela Phillips, 58, and Edward Dansereau, 63, inside the charred vehicle. Both victims had been subjected to multiple gunshot wounds, indicating a cold-blooded homicide. As the investigation unfolded, it led the authorities to Pamela’s residence, where they made another chilling discovery – the lifeless body of Calvin Phillips in the cellar. Calvin had also suffered from gunshot wounds, and there were signs of an attempt to burn his remains.

The intensity of the investigation grew exponentially when it was revealed that Calvin Phillips was scheduled to testify in Kit Martin’s court-martial. Although suspicion fell on Kit, the lack of substantial evidence hindered their ability to establish his involvement or implicate anyone else, leaving the case at a standstill. In 2016, Kit’s court-martial commenced, and during the proceedings, he was found guilty of mishandling classified information and assault on a child. Testimonies from Kit’s ex-wife, Joan, and her children painted a dark picture of him, with allegations of physical abuse. As part of his punishment, Kit received a 90-day prison sentence and a permanent dismissal from the army.

Following these events, Kit sought to rebuild his life. By 2018, he had secured employment as an airline pilot with PSA and relocated to North Carolina. Meanwhile, back in Pembroke, the family and friends of Calvin and Pamela relentlessly pushed for the reopening of the murder case. Their determination paid off when new evidence came to light. Bullet shell casings were discovered on the family’s back porch, and dog tags belonging to Kit were found on a shelf inside Calvin and Pamela’s residence.

All the evidence seamlessly pointed towards Kit’s involvement. Forensic analysis confirmed that the shell casings matched the bullets from a gun found in Kit’s possession. Additionally, the dog tags were identified as his, and phone tracking data placed him at the exact location where Pamela and Edward’s bodies were discovered inside the burning car. On May 11, 2019, while Kit was at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, moments away from piloting a flight from Louisville, Kentucky to Charlotte, North Carolina, law enforcement apprehended him. The public arrest quickly captured widespread attention in the media, leaving the community stunned.

Christian “Kit” Martin Behind Bars