Deputy Sheriff John P. Martin

Deputy Sheriff John P. Martin | Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
Deputy Sheriff John P. Martin

Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, September 12, 1965

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John P. Martin

Deputy Sheriff John Martin was shot and killed in an ambush in a sandpit near the Saluda River, three miles from Marietta, South Carolina.

The suspect had his wife lure Deputy Martin to the sandpit on the pretext of a rock-throwing incident. When Deputy Martin arrived the suspect shot him six times with an M-1 carbine, killing him. The suspects dumped his body just inside Pickens County in a wooded area on Hendrix Bridge Road. He was found the next day by berry pickers. His gun, badge, and shirt were missing. The murder investigation would later reveal that the suspect killed him because he wanted his gun and badge. The suspect was arrested in Gate City, Virginia, two days later. His wife, 23, was arrested in Greenville and charged with accessory to murder. The 24-year-old man was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; M-1
  • Offender Sentenced to life in prison

ambush

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Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 12, 2020

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