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Man gets life term for $5 drug deal murder

By Jason Kotowski,

14 hours ago

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man who prosecutors say killed another man over a $5 drug deal was sentenced Wednesday to a total term of 50 years to life in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Matthew Jon Martinez , 39, was convicted last month of first-degree murder in the death of Anthony Wayne Martin, 29.

The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2023, on Stockdale Highway west of North Stine Road, after Martinez went there to buy drugs from Martin.

Martinez gave him $5 for methamphetamine. Upon checking his purchase, he believed Martin had shorted him, prosecutor Larry Fields said at trial.

Martinez drew a revolver and fired a single shot, fatally wounding Martin.

Deputy Public Defender Nick Roth argued that Martinez acted in self-defense . He told jurors Martin threatened Martinez and challenged him to a fight when he demanded his money back.

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