207 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

James Darrell Martin

Death by Force
Case Description
Any updates on this case? Let us know!
James Darrell Martin, aged 55, was tragically killed on October 2, 2002, in Wheaton, Maryland. Martin was the first victim in the infamous DC Beltway Sniper attacks. On that fateful evening, he was standing in the parking lot of a Shoppers Food Warehouse when he was shot. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang as Martin clutched his chest, cried for help, and collapsed to the ground. He was a systems analyst for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a veteran, having gra ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (3)
See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Crime Museum: The DC Sniper Beltway Attacks - Crime Museum
  • D.C. sniper attacks
    •     ...View 1 additional sources
    Victim Details

    James Darrell Martin

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Wheaton

    MD

    2002-10-02

    55

    James

    Darrell Martin

    11/15/2025

    Forum Posts (2)
    I’ve been digging through some old articles and witness testimonies related to James Darrell Marti... ...Read More
    12/07/2023
    Hey everyone,
    I’ve been thinking a lot about James Darrell Martin, the first victim in the DC S... ...Read More
    02/04/2023
    Other Cases from Wheaton, Maryland

    Martín Blue Sean Godoy

    Death: Jan 14, 2021
    Martín Blue Sean Godoy, also known as Martín Sean Godoy Nolan, tragically passed away on January 1 ...Read More

    David Alan Jarman

    Death: Apr 14, 1994
    David Alan Jarman, a 39-year-old white male, was found dead on April 14, 1994, in his Maryland home. e ...Read More