Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Justin Martin and Sergeant Anthony Beminio, of the Des Moines Police Department, were shot and killed from ambush while sitting in their patrol cars shortly after 1:00 am.
Patrolman Martin was sitting in his patrol car at the intersection of 70th Street and Aurora Avenue when a subject approached and opened fire without warning, shooting into the driver's side of the patrol car between 15 and 30 times. Nearby citizens called 911 to reports shots fired and responding officers located Patrolman Martin inside.
Additional officers from multiple agencies setup a perimeter in the area. Approximately 20 minutes later the same subject approached Sergeant Beminio's patrol car, approximately two miles from Patrolman Martin's murder, and ambushed him at the intersection of Merle Hay Road and Sheridan Avenue. The man then fled the scene. At approximately 9:30 am he surrendered to law enforcement officers in Dallas County.
On May 19th, 2017, the subject was sentenced to two consecutive life terms after pleading guilty to both murders.
Patrolman Martin had served with the Urbandale Police Department for 15 months.
Officer Martin I never got to meet you but as a citizen of Des Moines, I wanted to let your family know they are still in my prayers. 5 years ago you made the ultimate sacrifice just for being a police officer. As the 3rd great granddaughter of a sheriff from Davis County Iowa, I have learned a lesson from many area law enforcement officers to always say thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your heart and spirit live on in the many other offices patrolling the streets here in Central Iowa.
Tonya LaFarr Law Enforcement Supporter, Iowa October 29th, 2021
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Martin gave the Urbandale Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Urbandale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Martin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Justin Scott 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 IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 2.9 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Justin Scott Martin's cause is highlighted.
How Justin Scott Martin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Justin Scott Martin is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Justin Scott Martin was killed by gun; unknown type.