Please keep my husband, Freddy, in your prayers as well as the family, friends and fellow officers of Sgt. Greg Martin. On October 5, 1996, Greg was murdered while doing a traffic stop on I-77 here in our small town. Freddy was the Chief of Police and has never gotten over this loss. Today, after years of a manhunt that covered several states, a coviction! Freddy called from the courthouse a few minutes ago and the sentence is life with no parole. We know that does not make it up in any way to his wife or daughter and certainly not to his son who was an infant when Greg was shot 6 times in the head and left on the side of the highway, but at least these men will not be loose to hurt another person. I was with Freddy when he had to tell Lisa that her husband was dead. It was beyond heartbreaking to hear her sceam "No Freddy, Greg is not dead!" It still breaks my heart. Freddy is with a large group of officers right now. Our oldest son is an officer here too, so he is with his Daddy. Please keep them all in your prayers as they grieve, celebrate, and figure out how to finally let this rest in peace. This changed my husband so much when it happened. He aged so much and carried so much guilt for letting Greg work by himself that night when his partner called in sick. Back then we all said, "Nothing ever happens here." It all changed that night. Thank you for your prayers and for letting me vent a little.
You said "these men" -- how many? I'm so glad they were caught and convicted! Prayers going up for Freddy, family, and friends.
And give Freddy and your son a great big THANK YOU from me, for being willing to put his life on the line for the community. As sad as it is, they must be very pleased to see those guilty held accountable, and to receive some closure.
There are three men involved. The shooter is the only one sentenced today. The other two have a June court date. I thought all three were to be in court today but it was only the main guy. It is so strange for this to finally be solved and almost over. Of course missing Greg will never end for his loved ones but the legal part can be over. Thank you for your kind words. Our idea of good guys is one who wears a badge. Our youngest son is wanting to become a highway patrolman and our oldest grandson wants to follow his Daddy in law enforcement in a few more years. I am proud of them no matter what they do but they sure do look up to Freddy and want to follow after him.
