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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.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Justin is the only officer of Urbandale Police Department remembered here.
Justin is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Justin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Justin is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2016, 4 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 2016, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2016, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Justin was 24. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Justin had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Justin was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Justin had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Justin was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Justin had served 1.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Wednesdays: 20.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Urbandale Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Urbandale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.