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Sheriff Robert Eli Martin | Hansford County Sheriff's Office, Texas
Hansford County Sheriff's Office, Texas

Sheriff

Robert Eli Martin

Hansford County Sheriff's Office, Texas

End of Watch: Thursday, January 26, 1911

Biographical Info

Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 26, 1911
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed after escaping prison

Sheriff Martin was shot and killed as he and a U.S. Deputy Marshal went to the suspects ranch to ensure he was moving out as he had been ordered to do by the court. As they entered the property Sheriff Martin called the suspect out. The suspect ran into barn and Sheriff Martin gave chase. When Sheriff Martin entered the barn he was shot and killed by the suspect. The suspect was arrest and convicted of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison, but escaped after serving five years. He returned to his home where he was later shot and killed by officers.

Sheriff Martin's son, Clarence Martin, later went on to become the police chief of the Las Animas, Colorado, Police Department. On April 20, 1947, Chief Martin was killed after being punched in the chest when he responded to a fight at a local bar.