GALLIPOLIS — Nearly five months after being convicted of robbery in connection with the 2006 slaying of Vinton-area resident William “Wild Bill” Sowers, Brynn K. Martin was sentenced to serve eight years in prison Friday morning in Gallia County Common Pleas Court.

Following a three-day jury trial in June, Martin, 30, 470 Van Zant Road, Bidwell, was found not guilty of aggravated murder, murder and aggravated robbery, but was convicted of robbery.

Defense attorney Charles H. Knight filed motions for a new trial and a judgment of acquittal shortly after the trial. Both motions were eventually overruled, but delayed sentencing in this case.

During Friday’s hearing, Sowers’ sister, Jean Sandlin, was afforded an opportunity to speak.

She stated that she was doing so on behalf of Sowers’ mother, siblings and children and she asked Gallia County Common Pleas Court Judge D. Dean Evans to impose the maximum sentence allowable by law for the charge of robbery.

She noted the fact that Martin’s estranged wife, Odessa L. Martin, 37, 122 Van Zant Road, Bidwell, is currently serving four years in prison for tampering with evidence for burning blood stained clothing in connection with this case.

“Bill lost his life from the robbery (Martin) committed and we all know he could testify and speak up about who killed Bill,” Sandlin said. “We all know he was there or he wouldn’t be here today.”

She added that she hopes Sowers’ face will haunt Martin until he comes clean and said the family still feels a need for justification and closure in this matter before again asking Evans for the maximum sentence and thanking him for allowing her to speak on Sowers’ behalf.

Martin declined to address the court, although Knight said on his behalf that he continues to assert his innocence as he did throughout the trial.

Gallia County Prosecutor Jeff Adkins also asked the court to impose the maximum sentence, referencing Martin’s prior felony record and that he was on probation in Meigs County at the time this offense occurred.

Evans did order Martin to serve the maximum sentence of eight years in prison, noting a history of criminal convictions and juvenile adjudication as well as a pattern of drug and/or alcohol abuse. The sentence will be served consecutively with any current sentences he may be serving. He was further ordered to pay court costs along and serve three years of post-release control without reduction. Martin was credited with 262 days time served as of June 26.

Knight indicated that Martin would be requesting counsel to appeal his conviction.