Ten years after Urbandale police officer Justin Martin was killed in an ambush-style attack, his parents say the pain remains, but so does the support from the community.
Officer Martin was shot and killed on Nov. 2, 2016, at Aurora Avenue and 70th Street in Urbandale. Minutes later, Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony Beminio was also shot and killed just blocks away. Hours later, the gunman was taken into custody in rural Dallas County.
Parents Recall Police Arriving at Dawn with News of the Ambush
Jayne and Randy Martin recalled the early morning hours when law enforcement officers arrived at their home to deliver the news that their son had been ambushed.
“Having the police come to your house and, you know, at 3:00 in the morning, was quite something,” Jayne Martin said. Randy Martin
Randy Martin reflected on the passage of time over the decade, stating, It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years, but yeah, it’s– we’re there. Time goes fast.
Jayne Martin added, It didn’t seem real, but yet it was, and we live with that today.
Decade of Community Support and Memorials
Following the killings, the community rallied around the Martin and Beminio families during the days and weeks that followed. Ten years later, the Martins noted that this backing remains visible through small yet meaningful gestures.
Visible reminders include flowers left at the intersection and Justin Martin’s badge number etched into stone on a memorial located directly across the street from their home.
To continue honoring their son’s memory, the Martins look to the guiding principles that best describe him: Just to be humble. And be kind to people and help them.
