In the spring of 2014, a decorated Army veteran's life was cut short in Lawton, Oklahoma, after a call he made to the police for help took a tragic turn. Daniel Martin Jr., a 47-year-old Black male, was fatally shot by police on March 16, 2014, at his home. His wife, Tina, had encouraged him to make the call, fearing for their safety due to what they believed were vandals outside their residence.
On that day, a frantic Martin contacted 911 to report the disturbance, informing the
dispatcher that he was armed inside his house. When Lawton police officers Elijah Garcia and Anthony Edwards arrived at the scene, they reported hearing a disturbance within the home. As Martin opened his front door, one of the officers yelled 'gun,' and both officers discharged their weapons, firing multiple rounds and killing him. It was later revealed that dispatch had relayed to the officers that Martin was armed.
An investigation into the shooting revealed that Martin, who had retired as a staff sergeant in 2004, had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. An autopsy found methamphetamine and two antidepressants in his system. Investigators also learned that just before police arrived, Martin had fired his own. 40-caliber pistol into a closet, believing someone was hiding there.
The Comanche County District Attorney, Fred Smith, ultimately determined that the actions of officers Garcia and Edwards were justified and did not warrant criminal charges. Consequently, no arrests were made in connection with Daniel Martin Jr.'s death, and the two officers were cleared to return to duty. Following his military service, Martin had settled in Lawton, where he had been a high school teacher and a volunteer youth sports coach.
