Valentine’s Day Murder: Husband
Sentenced to 25 Years for Killing Wife
November 5th, 2025
(Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that 48-year-old Marcell Martin has pled guilty during trial to Second-Degree Murder in the shooting death of his wife, 48-year-old Varga Mae McCray-Martin.
On February 14th, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to a shooting at 319 Alexander Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Varga Mae McCray-Martin lying face up in the living room in a pool of blood. She had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, face, and upper body and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Witnesses reported that the victim had been at a family member’s home with Martin that day, and the two had been sitting together on the couch before an argument erupted. Moments later, gunfire rang out inside the home. Those present hid in fear; one retreated to a closet with an infant and called for help. Witnesses later identified Martin as the shooter. He fled the scene in a black Dodge Charger. A few days later, law enforcement located the vehicle in Panola County. A pursuit followed, during which Martin fled on foot into nearby woods, where he was ultimately captured by deputies.
Investigators confirmed that Martin was a convicted felon with prior convictions, including the sale of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, and accessory after the fact. After opening statements, Martin pled guilty to Second-Degree Murder and was sentenced to 25 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
“Marcell Martin took his wife’s life on Valentine’s Day, a day meant for love, not violence,” said District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II. “Domestic violence has no place in any relationship, including marriage. What happened to Varga McCray-Martin was preventable. If you see signs of abuse, don’t wait for tragedy. Someone’s life may depend on it.”
Police capture MS man accused of murdering wife on Valentine’s Day
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JODY E. OWENS, II
