Murder plot inspired by TV crime dramas ends in life sentence

Killer who took cues from Dexter and The First 48 faces reality of crime

November 12, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, the fictional serial killer whose methods inspired a real-life murderer’s failed attempt to cover his tracks. Photo: Andy Kropa/AP

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In a case that illustrates the perils of attempting to draw inspiration from fictional crime dramas, a Queens man was sentenced to life in prison for a meticulously planned and gruesome murder aimed at collecting life insurance benefits.

Cory Martin, 37, received his sentence in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday after being convicted earlier this year of multiple charges, including murder-for-hire and wire fraud conspiracy.

Martin, who ran a commercial sex operation, took out fraudulent life insurance policies on Brandy Odom, 26, one of the women working for him. According to prosecutors, Martin watched crime shows like The First 48 and Dexter to glean tips on evading police and disposing of a body. His co-conspirator testified that the two discussed crime scene tactics, believing these dramatizations could serve as a playbook for real-life crime.

In April 2018, Martin strangled Odom in their Rosedale home. He then dismembered her body using a reciprocating saw, which he researched online, including viewing tutorials on YouTube. To avoid leaving traces, Martin covered the bathroom in garbage bags before disposing of Odom’s remains in Brooklyn’s Canarsie Park.

The case gained public attention when Martin obsessively searched for news about the discovery of Odom’s body parts. Despite his efforts to cover his tracks, the combined investigative work of the FBI and NYPD ultimately brought him to justice.

“This defendant will now spend the rest of his life in prison for his cold-blooded crime, motivated purely by greed,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “Martin believed he could outsmart law enforcement by following TV crime dramas, but justice has prevailed.”