Butler County man pleads guilty in case of son’s death

by Ken Howlett, K105

BUTLER COUNTY, Ky. (K105) – A man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the death of his son in Butler County.

According to a report by K105, 83-year-old Carl Martin of Rochester was charged with murder following the alleged death of his son, 49-year-old Jason Martin of Morgantown.

K105 reports that, according to an individual familiar with this case, Carl Martin pleaded guilty to amended charges of second-degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence.

The report says Carl Martin’s son, Jason Martin, died on October 24, 2024. According to K105, Carl Martin stated to authorities that on this date, Jason Martin asked his father to buy alcohol. Carl Martin stated he left to make the purchase, and upon returning, Jason Martin was in the yard saying he had been shot, the report states.

K105 states Carl Martin further told law enforcement he had taken his son to Butler Co. Family Care, however, the office was closed. According to the report, Carl Martin then allegedly took his son to Smith Funeral Home in Morgantown to ask for help calling an ambulance.

Jason Martin was pronounced dead at the funeral home, the report states.

Following questioning and the discovery of evidence by law enforcement, K105 states Carl Martin was arrested in connection with the death.

The report further states a plea deal would order Carl Martin to serve five years on each count, all served consecutively.

According to K105, he is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 13.