Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky
End of Watch Thursday, August 7, 1947
Add to My HeroesJohn C. Martin
Conservation Officer John Martin was shot and killed while investigating out-of-season squirrel hunting along the Old Morgantown Road in Warren County, 12 miles west of Bowling Green.
The man who shot Officer Martin was arrested approximately two hours later. The man's brother was also arrested at a later date and charged as an accomplice.
The shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was granted a new trial that ended with a hung jury. A third trial also ended with a hung jury. The murder charge was dismissed in 1951.
Officer Martin was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He had served as a state conservation officer for only four months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 4 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Charges dismissed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOfficer Martin,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 7, 2022
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