Missouri: On the night of October 13, 1989, Jimmie Wade Martin, a resident of Bonne Terre, Missouri, went to a neighborhood tavern for a drink.
A Tragedy That Changed Their Lives
Unfortunately, he never made it home. His lifeless, bloodied body was found on a nearby street after a bar fight turned fatal. At just 29 years old, Martin’s life was cut short, leaving behind his 11-year-old twin daughters, Angela Williams and Andrea Lynn, who received the devastating news during a sleepover.
In the quiet town of Bonne Terre, with its population of 6,000, murder was rare and shocking. The initial investigation led to the arrest of a man, but charges were dropped, and the case quickly went cold. The sisters, who felt helpless at such a young age, were left with unanswered questions about their father’s death. Over the years, the lack of progress haunted them, as witnesses passed away or moved, and their hometown seemed to forget the tragedy.
A Cold Case and A Renewed Fight for Answers
When the twins turned 29—the same age as their father at the time of his death—they felt a renewed sense of urgency to solve the mystery. They began their investigation, gathering documents, police reports, and autopsy findings in what they called “Jimmie’s Bible.” They knocked on doors, reached out to locals, and pieced together information to uncover the truth about what happened that night.
In 2020, their perseverance led to a significant breakthrough. Along with their cousins, they started a podcast, Small Town Forgotten, to bring renewed attention to their father’s case. Shortly after launching the podcast, the St. Francois County Prosecutor’s office announced that they would reopen the investigation. The podcast served as a catalyst, highlighting inconsistencies in the original investigation and generating new leads.
Arrest After Three Decades
In early 2021, authorities arrested 69-year-old Wesley Paul Marler, charging him with first-degree assault in connection with Martin’s death. Marler, who pleaded not guilty, had reportedly been involved in a tense confrontation with Martin shortly before the fatal fight. The twins learned that Marler had accused their father of having an affair with his wife, adding a possible motive to the case.
The case presents significant challenges due to its age. Many witnesses have passed away, memories have faded, and physical evidence has aged. Marler’s attorney, Christopher G. Hartmann, emphasized the difficulty of prosecuting a decades-old case, expressing confidence that his client would be acquitted. Despite these hurdles, the twins remain steadfast in their belief that Marler is responsible. They’ve fought tirelessly for justice, and although the path has been long, their resolve to seek the truth has not wavered.
Hope for Justice After Years of Pain
For Williams and Lynn, reopening the case has brought a sense of validation after years of feeling defeated. They hope their father’s killer will finally be held accountable. While they grieve the moments they lost with their father, including him not witnessing their milestones or meeting his grandchildren, they take solace in knowing that their efforts may finally bring closure.
Their pursuit of justice has become a testament to their love for their father, their determination, and the power of persistence.
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