Arthur J. Marti
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Corporal Arthur J. Marti served in the Marines from 1956 to 1958 and joined the police department shortly after his discharge. He had a commendation letter from FBI Agent Felt, special agent in charge of the Kansas City FBI office for his assistance in a case.
Corporal Marti was shot and killed after he confronted four gang members at 37th and Wabash at about 10:45 pm. Corporal Marti was responding to a situation where two rival gangs were engaged in a roving gun battle resulting in one youth being shot in the leg earlier in the evening. When Corporal Marti stopped the group, one of the gang members was holding a .22 caliber rifle, which Corporal Marti confiscated. As he was searching the other gang members Corporal Marti stated that one of the youths stated "He's a copper hit him", he was knocked down and shot in the chest. The suspect, William Homer Hunter, was arrested at his home in possession of a recently fired .32 caliber revolver. He admitted he had been stopped by Corporal Marti and as he was being searched Corporal Marti asked what was in his pocket. He produced the pistol and showed it to Marti. During the ensuing struggle Woods admitted to shooting Marti two times. The two other males confirmed the account as did a third independent witness. Corporal Marti sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and died 45 minutes later at Menorah Medical Center.
Corporal Marti, 26, was survived by his wife, Doris A. Marti, and daughter Megan Christine.
Reflections:
To the family, friends, and fellow officers of A.J : just want you to know that I think of him often. He was a gentle soul, and my teammate at DeLaSalle. I resolve this day to do what I can to bring about proper respect for all Peace Officers.
John J. Gladbach
DLS '51
My father and mother spoke of you often. Thank you for your service. I hope your wife and daughter are well.
Stephanie Sheckells Kern
Daughter of a friend
Next month It will be 53 years since your watch ended. I have thought and spoke of you often, AJ, telling our 4 children the story of their family hero. They are now adults with children of their own, and have located to the 4 corners of the world, I am sure the recount the story of Uncle AJ to their family, keeping the memories alive.
R. Miller
Brother-In-ław
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