Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin

Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin

Ventura County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Saturday, August 20, 1921

Add to My Heroes

Edmund Guy McMartin

Sheriff Edmund McMartin and City Marshal William Kelley, of the Oxnard Police Department, were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man wanted for murder.

Sheriff McMartin had received information the man was at a home at the intersection of Winnetka Avenue and Sherman Way in Los Angeles. The two officers went to the home and spoke to the owner, who informed them the wanted man and an accomplice were staying in a shack in the backyard. When the suspect opened the door he recognized the officers and opened fire with a pistol, fatally wounding both.

The man fled but committed suicide a short time later as officers surrounded him.

Marshal Kelley had served in law enforcement for 44 years. He had previously served as sheriff of Dakota County, Nebraska, and as the United States Marshal for Nebraska. He was appointed Oxnard's first city marshal in 1898 and also held commissions as a constable and sheriff's deputy.

Sheriff McMartin had served with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office for over 19 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 61
  • Tour 19 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Committed suicide

murder suspect, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Sheriff McMartin,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ventura County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 20, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.