Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant John Martin was shot at approximately 3:00 am while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked outside of a building. The occupant opened fire with a .44 caliber pistol as Sergeant Martin approached the vehicle. Sergeant Martin returned fire, striking the driver's side door several times. He was able to give a description of the suspect and vehicle to backup officers before being transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his wounds three days later. The vehicle was found several days later burned beyond recognition except for the bullet holes found in the driver's door. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to life in prison. Sergeant Martin had served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-2FB7EFCA- 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.
Sergeant Martin gave the Lee County Sheriff's Office 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jonesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Martin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant John Lee 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lee County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Lee Martin's cause is highlighted.
How John Lee Martin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Lee Martin is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Lee Martin was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
