Arrest Made in 35-Year-Old Cold Case Murder in Missouri
Authorities in Bonne Terre, Missouri, made a significant breakthrough over the weekend in a 35-year-old cold case murder investigation. Wesley P. Marler, a 69-year-old resident of Bonne Terre, was apprehended on Friday in connection with the death of Jimmie Wade Martin on October 14, 1989.
At the time of Martin’s death, he was discovered severely beaten and injured in front of a home near the Coal Bin Tavern in Bonne Terre. Although a suspect was initially charged in connection with the crime, the case never made it to trial, leaving Martin’s family and the community without closure for over three decades.
In an effort to bring justice to Martin’s case, the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri Highway Patrol initiated a review of the investigation in December 2020. With advancements in forensic technologies and investigative techniques that were not available in 1989, authorities hoped to uncover new leads and evidence that could lead to a breakthrough in the long-dormant case.
Reopening the Investigation
The decision to reopen the investigation into Jimmie Wade Martin’s murder was a crucial step towards seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones. After years of uncertainty and unanswered questions, authorities were determined to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth.
By collaborating with state and local agencies, law enforcement officials were able to reexamine the evidence, interview witnesses, and leverage modern forensic tools to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Martin’s tragic death. The reopening of the case not only signaled a commitment to upholding justice but also demonstrated the enduring dedication of law enforcement to solving cold cases and bringing closure to families affected by unsolved crimes.
Indictment and Arrest
On August 22, 2024, a St. Francois County Grand Jury handed down an indictment against Wesley P. Marler, charging him with one count of first-degree assault in connection with Jimmie Wade Martin’s murder. The decision to formally charge Marler marked a significant milestone in the investigation, signaling a major development in the case that had remained unresolved for over three decades.
Following the indictment, a warrant was issued for Marler’s arrest, leading to his apprehension by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Marler was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the St. Francois County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $500,000 bond pending further legal proceedings.
The arrest of Wesley P. Marler in connection with the cold case murder of Jimmie Wade Martin represents a significant breakthrough in a long-standing investigation that has haunted the community of Bonne Terre for over 35 years. As law enforcement officials continue to pursue justice for the victim and his family, the arrest serves as a reminder of the enduring commitment to seeking truth and holding accountable those responsible for heinous crimes.