Starr County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, December 1, 1881
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 3 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 1, 1881
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available
Sheriff John 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 3-1/2 years over two different terms. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.