Sheriff John E. Martin
Starr County Sheriff's Department
Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, December 1, 1881

Biographical Info
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 3 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, December 1, 1881
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Sheriff Martin and a citizen were shot to death after being ambushed while returning to Rio Grande City after serving citations. The two had been collecting taxes and were murdered in a robbery of the tax proceeds.

Sheriff Martin had served as sheriff for a total of 3.5 years over two different terms. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.