Martinez guilty of murder

A jury convicted Larry Martinez of first degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony last night after only 53 minutes of deliberations.

The jury of 11 men and 1 woman heard four days of evidence in Cheyenne County district court before reaching its conclusion.

Martinez shot and killed Mandy Kershman at a residence on the north side of Sidney on July 18, 2012. He was reportedly angered by a text that Kershman sent to him shortly before the shooting.

During closing arguments Thursday afternoon, the prosecution attempted to convince the jury that Martinez committed premeditated murder....