Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas
End of Watch Saturday, August 19, 1978
Add to My HeroesDonald R. Martin
Correctional Officer Donald Martin died as a result of an attack by an inmate at the Kansas State Penitentiary. The suspect had taken a female hostage during an escape attempt.
On August 14th, an inmate at the Kansas State Penitentiary attempted an escape through the infirmary. During the escape attempt the inmate attacked the nurse on duty and then beat Officer Martin with a metal chair, crushing his skull.
Officer Martin was rushed to Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City where he died of the injuries five days later.
The inmate was charged with first degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and attempted rape, but accepted a plea deal that dropped the attempted rape charge. He was sentenced to 30 years to life and remained in the prison system until his death on July 28, 2007.
Officer Martin was a veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Kansas Department of Corrections for one year. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Monday, August 14, 1978
- Weapon Person
- Offender 30 years to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsRest in peace Correctional Officer Martin.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 22, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: May 17, 2022

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jody Wayne Cash
Calloway County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 16, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Walter Donald Jenkins, Jr.
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: May 11, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Robert Adam Howard
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: May 11, 2022

Patrol Officer Brian Lee Sember
Ottawa Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2022

Sergeant Nicholas W. Tullier
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: May 5, 2022

Police Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner
Vestavia Hills Police Department, AL
EOW: April 6, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist
Knox County Sheriff's Office, IL
EOW: April 29, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Douglas Warren Sanford
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: March 29, 2022