Jury to attempt to reach verdict in Chan retrial
Closing arguments by defense, prosecutors scheduled today
LAS CRUCES — The murder retrial of Tai Chan, accused in the killing of fellow Santa Fe County Sheriff ’s Deputy Jeremy Martin, resumes Tuesday with jury instructions and closing statements by the prosecution and defense.
Then, for a second time, a jury will try to reach a verdict on the first-degree murder charge against Chan. His first trial ended in a mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
The retrial began two weeks ago and was capped off Friday with the final defense witness: Chan.
Chan, 30, shot Martin, 29, at the Hotel Encanto shortly after midnight Oct. 28, 2014, during an alcohol-fueled fight. Chan and Martin were staying in Las Cruces after transporting a prisoner.
Chan, who is no longer a deputy, has claimed he was acting in self-defense.
The trial is coming to an end without case prosecutor Ross “Rusty” Prindle, who resigned abruptly Thursday from the office of District Attorney Mark D’Antonio. Beyond confirming his departure, the office is declining to say much about Prindle’s resignation.
“Because it’s a personnel matter, I’m not at liberty to comment further,” said district attorney spokesman Damien Willis said. “As for the anticipated impact on the trial, we expect it to be minimal. The trial will proceed as scheduled.”
Family members of Chan and Martin have been in court for the duration of the retrial.
Some of Martin’s family — including his widow, Sarah Martin — are staying at the same Las Cruces hotel as Chan’s defense attorneys.
On Thursday, Chan went to the hotel to meet with defense attorney Monnica Garcia. The two were in a hallway when they encountered Sarah Martin and other members of Martin’s family.
James Martin, Jeremy Martin’s older brother, said he was upset because there had been a pledge by Chan’s attorneys that they wouldn’t take Chan to the hotel.
John Day, one of Chan’s attorneys, said he understands the Martins’ concerns but the encounter was inadvertent. Garcia and Chan left as soon as they saw the Martins, he said.