Shivangi Sinha
With rising public visibility comes the undeniable risk of being accessible to individuals who may not have any boundaries or control over their interactions. It often leads them to assume a false sense of closeness. In the world of celebrities, this can escalate into dangerous territory, as some fans cross lines into obsession. Discovery+’s ‘Hollywood Demons: Stalking the Stars’ explores one such case of Dana Martin. He was a convicted criminal who, while incarcerated, masterminded a murder-for-hire plot against pop star Justin Bieber. Though authorities were able to thwart the plan before it could unfold, the case left a lasting impact and still serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers that come with fame.
Dana Martin Hired His Fellow Inmate to Kill Justin Bieber
In November 2000, Dana Martin was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the rape and murder of a young girl from Vermont. In April 2012, he was transferred to the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Las Cruces, where he first met Mark Aaron Staake. Martin became an ardent fan of pop singer Justin Bieber and even got a tattoo of his name on his leg. He frequently wrote letters to Bieber, but after receiving no response, he became enraged. By October 2012, Staake was released on parole, and by then, Martin had already enlisted him for a task.
Martin had instructed Staake to kill Bieber on his behalf, and the two even conspired to castrate the young star. It is alleged that he promised Staake money and a Vermont farm as a hideout for their crime. In December 2012, Staake, along with his 23-year-old nephew Tanner Ruane, set out to kill four people, including Bieber. Two of the targets were located in Vermont, and the third was a bodyguard. However, they took a wrong turn and accidentally crossed the Canadian border. Once they tried re-entering the country, US Border Patrol agents arrested Staake due to an outstanding warrant for a felony parole violation in New Mexico. Soon after, Ruane made a call to Martin, referring to their targets as “dogs.” However, his calls were being monitored, and his arrest was made on the same day.
From the car, police discovered zip ties and hand-held hedge clippers, revealing the full extent of the plot. Ruane also discussed money for the job he was supposed to carry out, which further implicated them. Both Staake and Ruane faced two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery. Police then questioned Martin, who was accused of masterminding the plan. He admitted to orchestrating the plot and stated that he was tired of living an insignificant life in prison and wanted Bieber to know who he was. Authorities speculated that Martin’s actions were a way for him to feel closer to a celebrity he had idolized for so long.
Dana Martin is Incarcerated Today
In March 2013, Dana Martin pleaded guilty to two counts of soliciting murder, leading to an additional 9 years being added to his already lengthy sentence. At the time, he was incarcerated at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and continues to serve his life sentence. Now 58 years old, Martin remains in custody under the Vermont Department of Corrections. The details surrounding Dana Martin’s potential release remain sealed, and he has chosen not to address the attempted murder plot or the events surrounding it publicly.
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