McMartin receives 20-year sentence for murder

Jon McMartin, 34, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections for the death of Garrett Stephenson, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, a class 2 felony. Judge Michael Singer presided over the Friday, Oct. 13, Phillips County District Court hearing in Sterling. 

A July 8 altercation between McMartin and Stephenson, who were roommates at the time, ended when Stephenson was shot in the chest with a rifle outside their home. He died after being transported to Melissa Memorial Hospital.

Counts of first-degree murder after deliberation and felony menacing with a deadly weapon were dismissed by District Attorney Brittny Lewton. McMartin received 98 days credit for time already served.