HOUSTON (KTRK) --
As the Houston Police Department finalizes plans for the funeral of
one officer, they're struggling with the loss of another and from the
same police station.With flags already lowered at Westside Division on S. Dairy Ashford in honor of slain Officer Richard Martin, there was more tragic news. At George Bush Park, a passerby discovered the body of a 16-year veteran HPD officer inside his city-issued car. According to HPD Spokesman, John Cannon, it appears his fatal gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Supervisors and co-workers were at the scene.
"They're very puzzled as to the whys and it may take us some time to try to determine that," said Cannon.
The 38-year-old man worked in the same Westside Division building as patrol Officer Martin. Martin was run over at North Kirkwood near the Katy Freeway by a man fleeing police early Monday morning. Wednesday the family of that man, Jeffery Conlin, released a statement:
- "On
behalf of the Conlin family, we express our deepest sympathies to the
family of Officer Richard Martin. To his two children, especially, we
are so very sorry they have lost their father under these tragic
circumstances. We are grieving for Officer Martin and praying
continuously for his family.
We are left heartbroken and filled with regret for what has happened. Jeff was a good soul with a big heart. He was loved by so many people. Unfortunately, Jeff was struggling with an addiction. He was living in darkness and we could not reach him. We could not save him.
Many people have asked us what they might do to help during this devastating time. Please donate to the 100 Club, as we have done, in support of Officer Martin's family. We believe that is what Jeff would want."
Officer Martin's funeral is 2pm Friday at Grace Community Church, 14505 Gulf Freeway.
HPD has not released the name of the officer believed to have committed suicide. He was assigned to the Burglary and Theft Division at Westside and had a wife and two children.