Martin Jones, a 46-year-old man from Wichita Falls, TX, was shot on October 9, 2021, during an argument with his neighbor, Noel Ramirez Martin. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Evergreen Drive. Martin Jones was transported to United Regional Health Care System for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on October 13, 2021. The official cause of death was complications from gunshot wounds.
Noel Ramirez Martin, 33, was indicted on charges of murder and unlawful possession of a
firearm by a felon. He claimed he fired in self-defense, stating that Martin Jones ran at him, and he felt his life and his family members' lives were in danger. The shooting was the culmination of an ongoing feud between the two neighbors. On the day of the incident, Martin Jones had reported criminal mischief, alleging that Noel Ramirez Martin had damaged his car by busting out most of the windows. Noel Ramirez Martin was also charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and felony possession of methamphetamine.
The trial for the murder of Martin Jones took place in the 78th District Court. Noel Ramirez Martin was found guilty of murder by a jury of eight women and four men on November 1, 2022. He was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm. The jury deliberated for over an hour and a half before reaching a verdict. Noel Ramirez Martin faced a potential sentence of 15 to 99 years or life in prison.
Martin Jones' widow, Natasha, and their daughter, Bethany, testified during the trial, sharing the impact of his death on their lives. Natasha described the struggles they faced as a family and the pain of losing her husband. Bethany, 13, spoke about how her father's death had affected her, expressing her grief and loss.
The investigation into Martin Jones' death revealed a troubled past for both the victim and the accused. Martin Jones had a history of drug-related convictions and had served time in prison. Despite his struggles, he was a devoted family man who worked as a professional arborist. Noel Ramirez Martin, also a family man, had a history of criminal activity, including 22 arrests in Wichita County. The feud between the two neighbors ultimately led to the tragic shooting that claimed Martin Jones' life.
