In a chilling case that has captivated the nation, a 36-year-old man was convicted on charges related to the brutal killing and dismemberment of one of his employees in an elaborate scheme aimed at exploiting her death for financial gain through life insurance fraud. The verdict was delivered by a jury in the District of Eastern New York, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on March 4.
Cory Martin, the convicted individual, was found guilty of several charges, including murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and fraudulent use of identification. The case revolved around the gruesome murder of 26-year-old Brandy Odom in 2018. Martin now faces a mandatory life sentence for his heinous crimes.
The investigation revealed that Martin and a co-conspirator, both residing in Queens with the victim, were deeply involved in illegal activities. Odom, along with the co-conspirator, was forced into commercial sex work by Martin, who acted as their pimp. The duo then proceeded to illegally obtain two life insurance policies in Odom’s name, using a debit card fraudulently obtained in her name to make premium payments.
According to True Crime Daily, Testimonies during the trial shed light on Martin’s premeditated actions leading up to the murder. He reportedly watched crime-related TV shows such as “The First 48” and “Dexter” to glean tips on committing the crime and evading law enforcement detection. This chilling preparation culminated in Odom’s murder in her bedroom in early April 2018.
Following the murder, Martin and his co-conspirator undertook extensive measures to cover up the crime, purchasing cleaning supplies and a vacuum to clean the crime scene. Martin’s online activities included searching for a reciprocating saw and tutorials on its use, pointing to the premeditated nature of the dismemberment.
The disposal of Odom’s remains was meticulously planned, with her body parts being scattered in Canarsie Park over two nights. Martin even monitored online news articles and social media posts to track the discovery of Odom’s remains, showcasing a cold and calculated approach to the aftermath of the murder.
Despite attempts to claim the life insurance benefits following Odom’s death, the co-conspirator was unsuccessful. The case highlights a grotesque attempt to profit from the exploitation and murder of a young woman, reducing her life to a means for financial gain.
U.S. Attorney Peace emphasized the brutal nature of Odom’s murder and Martin’s attempt to profit from her death, stating that Odom’s life mattered and expressing hope that the conviction brings some closure to her grieving family. The case serves as a grim reminder of the depths of depravity to which individuals can sink in the pursuit of illicit financial gain, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable suffering and loss.
