Chief Deputy Tommy Kent Martin, aged 59, of the Douglas County Sheriff's Department in Illinois, tragically died on June 21, 2007, from gunshot wounds sustained while responding to a home invasion call in Camargo. Martin was shot in the face and chest by one of the suspects as he passed their vehicles. He was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries one month later on July 17, 2007.
The incident began when two suspects fled the victim's home in a pickup
truck and the van of a second victim who interrupted the robbery. As Martin passed the two suspect vehicles, one of the men opened fire. The suspects then led police on a high-speed chase, firing at officers as they headed south on Interstate 57. They eventually crashed the van and were apprehended by officers. One suspect was immediately apprehended in the van, while the other fled on foot and took five hostages in a bank. After a seven-hour standoff, the second suspect surrendered with the last hostage.
The suspect who shot Martin was sentenced to life in prison for his murder. The other suspect was convicted of home invasion and aggravated kidnapping and received two consecutive 30-year sentences. Martin, a veteran of the Illinois State Police and the US Navy, was survived by his son, daughter, brother, and three grandchildren.
Martin's death was a significant loss to the community and law enforcement, as he had served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Department for three years and had a long career with the Illinois State Police. His dedication and service were remembered and honored by many who knew him.
