Martinez sentenced to life for murder conviction

A man who shot and killed a Sidney woman three years ago was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday afternoon.

Larry Martinez shot and killed 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.

Martinez was convicted in March 2014 for the shooting.

Sentencing was originally set for May 7, 2014, but Martinez' counsel filed a competency hearing after the trail and a series of psychological tests were conducted.

Court documents say that Martinez had a driver's license, was solely responsible for his finances and held two jobs. After his arrest, he was able to comprehend interview questions and understand court proceedings, the ruling stated. Despite having an IQ of 57, which is in the "extremely low" range, doctors determined he met the criteria to be medically considered "competent."

Martinez will serve consecutive sentences of life imprisonment for first degree murder and 10-50 years for using a firearm to commit a felony.