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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1988, 1 officer at Lee County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 2.
In 1988, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Lee County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 45.8 and 60.3; the middle age was 53. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
John was 39. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. 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. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 16.7% of these deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office; July holds the most, 33.3%. Mondays: 16.7%.
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Lee County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
