Clay County - starts about 9:30 a.m.

Mr. Martin was convicted of the first-degree murder of Jacey McWilliams, who was fatally beaten in 2008. The jury voted 9-3 to recommend a death sentence, and the trial court condemned Mr. Martin. This Court affirmed his conviction and sentence on direct appeal, and Mr. Martin filed a postconviction motion in the trial court. The trial court denied Mr. Martin’s claim of juror misconduct and several ineffective assistance of counsel claims but granted him a new penalty phase pursuant to Hurst v. State. Mr. Martin appeals the denial of his guilt-phase claims.

Appearance for Appellant: Rick A. Sichta, Jacksonville, 904-329-7246
Appearance for Appellee: Charmaine M. Millsaps, Asst. Attorney General, 850-414-3300