An Ottumwa man faces a life sentence after a judge found him guilty of murder on Tuesday.
Judge Greg Milani convicted Preston Martin, 42, of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary. Martin opted for a bench trial rather than a jury trial which took place last May.
Milani says the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Martin killed 41-year-old Thomas Carlton Foster on May 25, 2019, at Foster’s home on Queen Anne Avenue in Ottumwa. Martin entered the residence without permission and stabbed Foster to death with a knife from Foster’s kitchen.
Police say when Martin was arrested, he had blood on his clothing and was carrying a money container from Foster’s home.
Martin’s sentencing is scheduled for March 13th. In the state of Iowa, first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. First-degree robbery and first-degree burglary each carry a potential 25-year sentence.
