Weslie Martin, age 22, has been charged with 11 felony counts including home invasion, burglary, and grand larceny – all related to two break-ins at Wayne Newton’s home near South Lamb Boulevard and Oquendo Road. Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers say these crimes are common across the valley.
What Are the Crime Details?
Martin’s attorney, Chris Peterson, was quick to admit that “Mr. Martin isn’t perfect,” however, he went on to defend that even though his client has “done some bad things” he is currently “being charged with crimes he didn’t commit.”
Unfortunately for Weslie Martin, security cameras on say otherwise. On the day of the first burglary back in June of 2018, one of Wayne Newton’s neighbor’s cameras captured images of Weslie Martin and another man in the backyard. Shortly after, items from the first burglary were found in Martin’s home. As well, stolen jewelry was traced back to Martin after he sold it at a local pawnshop.
What Are the Details of the Second Burglary?
The Newtons came home right in the midst of the second burglary – which took place later that same month. Both men were still inside the house, mid-theft. Wayne Newton, who carries a firearm, shot into the air to scare/warn the intruders. Two of the family’s dogs attacked the burglars after one of them threatened Wayne’s wife with a crowbar. Both of the dogs were badly injured with head injuries; one of them had its teeth knocked out.
Newton told the jury that his 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, was so traumatized by the burglary that she began sleeping in her parents’ bedroom.
What Evidence is Available?
Martin’s attorneys argued that there was no evidence linking Martin to the second burglary. Though there was no DNA or fingerprints, the prosecution argued that there was more than enough circumstantial evidence to convict Martin – evidence such as similarities between both break-ins and the clothing the burglars were seen wearing in the camera footage.
Part of the prosecution, Deputy District Attorney John Giordani stated: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this sure as hell isn’t one of them. Mr. Martin is guilty of these 11 crimes.”
After six hours of deliberations, a jury of seven men and five women found Martin GUILTY of all counts. Martin may face life behind bars, due to a prior record of burglary-related and firearms convictions (and hey, anyone who knocks out a dog’s teeth should be locked up for as long as possible!)