Officer Robert K. Martin
BADGE #474
EOW: August 15th, 1995
Age: 57
Officer Martin was shot to death during a traffic stop on the Beeline Highway, about seven miles north of Shea Boulevard. With 27 years of service, Officer Martin had the most years of service among DPS/AHP officers killed in the line of duty. His assailant, Ernesto Salgado Martinez, a 19-year-old ex-convict from Globe, fled the scene and was captured two days later in California. Martinez was sentenced to death in 1998 after being convicted on Sept. 26, 1997, on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of theft and two counts of misconduct.
Robert K. Martin Memorial Site
Southbound SR 87 milepost 195
My name is Robert Kerry Martin I was driving along a Highway in Arizona with a friend. We came upon this great man’s memorial sign. I can’t say when but I believe the late 90’s. We took a picture as a momento for me. unfortunately I can’t remember if I knew what happened back then,but it has been on mind mind since my 1st encounter with the sign. Moments ago I for some reason looked up Officer Martin’s background. My background was of public service like him. The Indians of the west in America believed that as long as you speak a person’s name frequently his spirit still exists on our earth plane. I hope n pray my life is in honor of this brave giving man. All I read about him shows he was of service to others in his life here. I shall forever remember the honorable life he lead. May your family be healed by now. May we all remember now n forever what a great man he was.Thank you Robert.
May God be with you and family and thank you for your service and sacrifice