American Airlines pilot charged in 2015 triple homicide
A pilot for an American Airlines subsidiary was arrested at a Kentucky airport on Sunday in connection with a 2015 triple homicide.
It was announced Saturday by Kentucky attorney general Andy Beshear that Christian Richard Martin, a pilot for PSA Airlines, which is owned by American Airlines, was indicted Friday over the deaths of Calvin Phillips, 59; his wife, Pamela, 58; and their neighbor Edward Dansereau, 63.
American Airlines confirmed to WBRC that Martin was the pilot on American Airlines flight 5523 from Louisville to Charlotte. He was arrested by the Louisville metro police department, along with the help from the United States Marshals Service, at the Louisville International Airport.
According to attorney general Beshear, Calvin Phillips was found shot to death in his home in Pembroke, Kentucky. Just a few miles away, his wife Pamela's smoldering car was left in a cornfield. Inside of the car, the body of Pamela and their neighbor, Edward Dansereau, were found.
Calvin and Pamela's son, Matt Phillips, had reached out to the district attorney about the crime years ago. “About two years ago, Matt Phillips came into my office [and] talked about losing both his parents in a brutal murder that also took the life of a third individual,” Beshear said in a video shared on YouTube. “He was worried the case was stalled and was worried justice would not come.”
Beshear worked with the Christian County sheriff's office and the Kentucky State Police to help the indictment come to fruition.
“We hope this is one example of what happens when you never stop seeking justice,” Beshear said. “When you never give up on a case, we can truly get important results for our families.”
According to some outlets, Martin had been a person of interest since the beginning. According to WSMV, Martin was a neighbor of the victims, and his ex-wife hoped to have the Phillips and Dansereau vouch for her in court.
Family members of Andy Beshear issued the following statement: “Nov. 18, 2015, Cal Phillips, Pam Phillips and Ed Dansereau were brutally extinguished – beyond recognition from family. Every day, we are haunted by what was done to them and haunted further that someone was still free to do as they wish, beyond the civility of mankind or laws of our nation. We are overwhelmed with this positive step towards resolution for people we love dearly; Cal and Pam Phillips and Ed Dansereau, and the hundreds of friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and others deeply affected by their brutal end. We look forward to justice in court, and we look forward to a verdict to bring an end to this terror, and a fresh start at healing.”
American Airlines also issued a statement: “All of us at American Airlines and PSA Airlines are deeply saddened to have learned about these allegations from 2015. Our team was made aware of the indictment this morning after his arrest at Louisville International Airport. We have an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our customers and team members, and we will provide any investigative assistance possible to law enforcement throughout their investigation.”
Martin is charged with three counts of murder, as well as counts of arson, attempted arson, burglary, and tampering with evidence.
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