Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Policeman James Martin was shot and killed while enforcing a city livestock ordinance prohibiting livestock from going at large.
He was impounding two horses when their owner approached him and began arguing with him at 7:00 p.m. The man and the man's brother-in-law both exchanged shots with Policeman Martin. Policeman Martin was struck in the abdomen by a shotgun pellet and died approximately 20 minutes later.
Ultimately, three men were convicted of the incident. The primary suspect was sentenced to 16 years for homicide. The others were convicted of conspiracy and received lesser sentences.
Night Policeman Martin had served with the Carrollton Police Department for over six years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-230D9728- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Policeman Martin gave the Carrollton Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carrollton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Martin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman James T. Martin is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Carrollton Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James T. Martin's cause is highlighted.
How James T. Martin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 16 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James T. Martin is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James T. Martin was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Carrollton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
