Visitation is Sunday Afternoon for Fallen CPD Officer Enrique Martinez; Funeral Service on Monday Morning
Oak Lawn, Illinois – A Farewell to Fallen Officer
A visitation for Chicago Police Department Officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the city’s South Side earlier this month, will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in south suburban Oak Lawn. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel on Chicago’s South Side, followed by interment at Beverly Cemetery in Blue Island.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Officer Martinez, 26, was shot and killed on November 4 while attempting to conduct a traffic stop in Chatham. He worked in CPD’s 6th District and would have celebrated his third anniversary with the department next month.
The Tragic Incident
According to police, the fatal shooting happened when officers, including Martinez, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with three people inside in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue. The officers had initially responded to a call in the area that turned out to be based on false information, when they observed a Ford Escape that was double-parked with a tail light out and fraudulent registration. Court documents say as officers approached the vehicle, a suspect inside the car allegedly opened fire, hitting and killing Martinez and another passenger.
The Aftermath
Following the shooting, the gunman allegedly attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle but hit and injured another officer. Police said the passenger who was fatally shot during the incident was later found to be in possession of a handgun. Officers also uncovered another gun from the scene. The alleged gunman, 23-year-old Darion McMillian of Harvey, has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of burglary.
Mayor Will Not Attend Funeral
Mayor Brandon Johnson had initially planned to attend Monday’s funeral service for Martinez, even though Martinez’s family had asked that he not attend. However, the mayor reversed course on Saturday, saying he will not attend the funeral and that “the focus must remain on Officer Martinez, his loved ones, and the CPD as our city continues to honor his ultimate sacrifice and legacy of service.” Martinez’s family has also asked Governor JB Pritzker not to attend the funeral service, and Pritzker said he’ll honor that request.
Funeral Procession Details
Monday morning’s funeral procession will leave from the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home before heading down 103rd to Western, then from Western to 77th, and then on to St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for the funeral service.
Conclusion
Officer Enrique Martinez’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day. As the city of Chicago mourns the loss of this brave officer, we honor his memory and legacy of service.
FAQs
* When is the visitation for Officer Enrique Martinez?
+ Sunday afternoon from 3 to 8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.
* When is the funeral service for Officer Enrique Martinez?
+ Monday morning at 10 a.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel on Chicago’s South Side.
* Who is charged with Officer Enrique Martinez’s murder?
+ 23-year-old Darion McMillian of Harvey.
* Will Mayor Brandon Johnson attend the funeral service?
+ No, the mayor has decided not to attend the funeral service at the request of Officer Martinez’s family.
