Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Martin Jones was killed while attempting to make an arrest of an intoxicated subject near Cayuga. Sheriff Jones had been informed by the suspect's wife and brother that the suspect had been drinking for several days, having been abusive and striking the brother. When Sheriff Jones and a citizen arrived at the suspect's home he was not there, but were told he had gone first to a nearby residence, then to a grocery store. After looking for the suspect at both places, they returned to his residence to find the suspect exiting the rear of the home. As Sheriff Jones and the citizen began placing the suspect under arrest, the suspect pulled a revolver and shot Sheriff Jones once through the heart, killing him instantly. The citizen fired one shot in return from his revolver before it failed and he retreated while the suspect shot at him during his escape.
Early the following day, several officers from the Clinton Police Department surrounded the suspect's residence, finding him in a field near the home and took the unarmed suspect into custody. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. Two years later he was granted a new trial and acquitted. Sheriff Jones had served with the Vermillion County Sheriff's Department for two years, having been recently re-elected to his second two-year term. He was survived by his wife, daughter, six sons and two grandchildren. Sheriff Jones' oldest son, a deputy with the department, was appointed to serve out his father's term.
Sheriff Martin Jones was killed while attempting to make an arrest of an intoxicated subject near Cayuga.
Sheriff Jones had been informed by the suspect's wife and brother that the suspect had been drinking for several days, having been abusive and striking the brother. When Sheriff Jones and a citizen arrived at the suspect's home he was not there, but were told he had gone first to a nearby residence, then to a grocery store. After looking for the suspect at both places, they returned to his residence to find the suspect exiting the rear of the home.
As Sheriff Jones and the citizen began placing the suspect under arrest, the suspect pulled a revolver and shot Sheriff Jones once through the heart, killing him instantly. The citizen fired one shot in return from his revolver before it failed and he retreated while the suspect shot at him during his escape.
Early the following day, several officers from the Clinton Police Department surrounded the suspect's residence, finding him in a field near the home and took the unarmed suspect into custody. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. Two years later he was granted a new trial and acquitted.
Sheriff Jones had served with the Vermillion County Sheriff's Department for two years, having been recently re-elected to his second two-year term. He was survived by his wife, daughter, six sons and two grandchildren. Sheriff Jones' oldest son, a deputy with the department, was appointed to serve out his father's term.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, six sons and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-D04458C4- Stewardship
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- 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.
Sheriff Jones gave the Vermillion County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Martin C. Jones 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Vermillion County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 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. Martin C. Jones's cause is highlighted.
How Martin C. Jones Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Martin C. Jones is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Martin C. Jones was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Vermillion County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
