Christopher Martin, 48, was allegedly beaten to death in his Shirley, New York, home on June 14 by three people — including his former girlfriend who prosecutors say orchestrated the attack and a roommate who police say used a sledgehammer, television set, baseball bat and dumbbells during a 30-minute assault.
Background
According to authorities, Melissa Fawcett, 50; Korey Sammarco, 36; and Benjamin Sheppard, 34; went to Martin's home on June 14 around 7 p.m. — the same residence where Sammarco had been renting a room before being kicked out. The three defendants were indicted weeks later for second-degree murder and gang assault.
Court documents obtained by News 12 Long Island detail how prosecutors allege Fawcett, who had recently ended her relationship with Martin, orchestrated the violent attack after Martin rejected her attempts at reconciliation. Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty told the court during a July 1 hearing that Fawcett showed up at Martin's house the day before the alleged attack but was not allowed inside.
Prosecutors said Fawcett purchased a firearm she intended to use to scare Martin, and allegedly smashed his phone outside in the street to prevent him from calling for help. "She, our investigation revealed, is actually the individual who set this entire event up," Shetty told the court, according to Newsday's courtroom coverage.
Sammarco had been accompanied by a police escort when he went to retrieve belongings from the home after being evicted. A neighbor told News 12 Long Island that Sammarco had been "kicked out" of the house following disputes with Martin.
The Investigation
Police said another resident of the home found Martin and called 911 around 7:30 p.m. to report the fight. Martin was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead, having suffered severe facial trauma, broken ribs, a liver laceration and abdominal bleeding, prosecutors said.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and court documents, Sammarco allegedly admitted to police that he beat Martin with a sledgehammer and a television set, as well as his fists. Fawcett told police she took "a couple of shots at him" during the 30-minute ordeal. Sammarco also allegedly stated that four others, including Sheppard, participated in the beating using a baseball bat and dumbbells.
Sammarco and Fawcett were arrested on June 15; Sheppard was arrested on June 20. All three defendants have been ordered held without bail pending trial.
Key Takeaways
- Christopher Martin, 48, died from injuries sustained during an alleged 30-minute beating at his Shirley, New York home on June 14
- Melissa Fawcett, Korey Sammarco and Benjamin Sheppard were each charged with second-degree murder and gang assault
- Prosecutors allege Fawcett orchestrated the attack after Martin ended their relationship and rejected her attempts to reconcile
- Sammarco allegedly admitted to using a sledgehammer, television set and fists; Sheppard is accused of wielding a baseball bat and dumbbells
- All three defendants are being held without bail
What's Next
Sammarco and Fawcett are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 6. Sheppard's next court date is set for Aug. 10. The case remains under investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.