Autopsy results have been released in the death of 26-year-old Marquis Martin of Wilmar who was found dead on March 7 after being reported missing for nearly a month.
The state Medical Examiner listed Martin’s death as a homicide caused by a close-range, single gunshot wound to the back of his head in the autopsy released by Tenth Judicial District Prosecutor Thomas Deen.
There have been numerous rumors regarding the death, and several of those rumors were proven false by the report.
“There’s no evidence of trauma to his body other than the gunshot to his head,” Deen said. “It is unusual for me to release any information while an investigation is pending but the amount of misinformation that appears to be circulating caused me to do so.”
Martin was last seen on surveillance video at the Murphy USA gas station on February 9, shortly after leaving work at the McDonalds restaurant in Monticello. He reportedly was given a ride from the gas station to his home in Wilmar. His body was discovered on March 7 in a creek outside of Wilmar,
A $25,000 reward has been offered for information in Martin’s death. Anyone who has information about his death is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police or the Drew County Sheriff’s Office.
Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober addressed one rumor stating that he and his son were involved in the disappearance and murder.
“Social media is running haywire out there,” said Gober.
Gober said the rumor that he or his sons were involved in Martin’s disappearance and murder seems to have started on February 28, before Martin’s body was discovered. He said a former political opponent made the following comment on social media:
“As a law enforcement officer but most importantly a father of four kids, I have learned that tough love is just that, tough LOVE. I believe in discipline and that a person of authority (such as law enforcement) should not cover up for their family members (much less their children).”
“When one does so it erodes the public’s trust when these unfair/unjust events occur. However, the same people in these positions wonder why their trust is questioned… stop covering up for your family. Support them without enabling them. -2022”
While the comment doesn’t mention Gober specifically, he said he believes he was the subject of the comment because it ends with “2022”. The next election for sheriff in Drew County is slated for 2022.
“If my kids have contact with law enforcement, that’s up to them. I don’t get them out of trouble. I’ve never even got them out of a speeding ticket,” Gober said. “He can say what he wants about me but don’t bring my family into it. And he picked the wrong time to make a political jab towards me, in the middle of a murder investigation.”
Gober also said his office and the Arkansas State Police continue to investigate the death of Martin.
