A Galveston mother is seeking answers after her son was fatally shot during an officer-involved incident that occurred during a traffic stop on Monday night.
The Galveston Police Department reports that 47-year-old Randy Martin was pulled over near Avenue O and 55th Street. According to investigators, an officer requested that Martin exit his vehicle, which led to a confrontation. Tragically, Martin was subsequently shot and killed. The Texas Rangers are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
During this investigation, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
On Tuesday, Paula Martin, Randy’s mother, shared her deep sorrow and confusion with the public. She revealed that she first learned about her son’s tragic fate through social media while she was at work, expressing her distress over the way the news was delivered. “I actually found out through social media. That’s not a good way to find out that there’s something horrible that’s happened in your family,” she stated.
Paula also recounted her experience of going to the hospital in hopes of seeing her son, only to discover that she was unable to do so. “How can I make final arrangements when I haven’t even seen his body? I don’t have his body. I have not arranged anything,” she lamented.
Describing her son, Paula emphasized his commitment to helping others in the community. She mentioned that he was actively involved in clothing and toy drives, as well as various outreach initiatives. “He would actually go in his closet and his shoe collection and give those shoes to people,” she said, highlighting his generosity.
Paula expressed her hope that the ongoing investigation will provide the transparency and answers her family, as well as the wider Galveston community, is seeking. “My hope is the truth. That’s all I want. You tell the truth,” she asserted.
The Texas Rangers continue to investigate the incident, and it remains uncertain whether body camera footage exists or when further information will be made available to the public.
