“He had a whole life to live, and it was cut very short. There are things that we really need to remember and honor. He was a human being, he was a great person, he was fun, he was a great gift-giver, he was a beautiful person. Let’s remember him that way” (Maria Marmolejo Chairman of CPD Gold Star Families).  

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In the early evening hours of November 4th 2024, Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez was murdered while conducting a traffic stop in the East Chatham neighborhood.  

Darian McMillian, 23, has been charged with the fatal shootings of Officer Martinez and Mario Chambers, the driver of the vehicle he was in at the time. Martinez and Officer Nunez were initially dispatched to a false call but, upon leaving, spotted a suspicious black Ford Escape with fraudulent registration and a broken taillight double-parked nearby. This led them to approach the vehicle, ultimately resulting in the fatal shooting. 

As officers approached the vehicle, McMillian initially held a backpack before placing it on the floor and reaching toward it, ignoring commands to show his hands. Officer Martinez drew his firearm as McMillian continued reaching. McMillian then pulled out a .40 caliber firearm with a fully automatic switch and opened fire, striking Officer Chambers multiple times in the head, face, and arms. 

Martinez was transported to University of Chicago Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officer Martinez was 26 years old and had been on the Chicago Police Department since 2021. He is survived by his family. 

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The 100 Club community of supporters exists so that everyday residents can stand behind our first responders. Please keep the Chicago Police Department and the entire Martinez family in your thoughts. 

To make a contribution in memory of Police Officer Martinez, please visit our fallen heroes donation page.