In the course of his duty, Patrolman Robert W. Martin, a 38-year-old officer with the Conway Police Department, lost his life on March 24, 1981. A respected member of the community, Patrolman Martin was known for his compassionate approach to law enforcement. This reputation led to a fateful encounter when the grandmother of a murder suspect, along with the suspect himself, arranged for the man to surrender directly to Patrolman Martin.
Trusting the arrangement, Patrolman Martin allowed
the suspect to enter his home to gather some personal items before being taken into custody. While the officer waited on the couch, the situation took a tragic turn. The suspect emerged from a bedroom and, at point-blank range, fired a handgun, mortally wounding Patrolman Martin. The nine-year veteran of the police force was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In a strange twist of events, as the suspect attempted to flee the scene, he accidentally shot himself. He was subsequently apprehended and faced legal proceedings for the murder of Patrolman Martin. Following his conviction, the suspect was sentenced to death. On January 26, 1992, the man responsible for the death of Patrolman Robert W. Martin was executed for his crime.
